Dangers of too much screen time for children – including anxiety and eye damage

The rise in popularity of smartphones amongst children and young people could be damaging their health and development. Blue light emitted from screens may change certain hormone levels, and increase the chance of early puberty in children. Children’s sleeping patterns can be affected by smartphone use, and the same is true for adults. Studies have shown that high amounts of screen time are linked to depression and anxiety. Dr Maite Ferrin, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health, said: ‘The prolonged use of devices also reduces the attention span in children and may impact other functions of the brain, including our ability to remember things’ Dr Ferrin explained: ‘Excess stress can be placed on the eyes, which can cause eye strain, eye fatigue, eye strain and headaches, as well as fluctuating . . .