What is the health impact of screen time in children?

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00:00Hi, I'm health reporter Sarah McCann. The amount of time that children spend in front

00:04of screens is on the rise, with health experts warning about the risks that this could be

00:09having on children's health. A 2024 report published by Parliament's Education Select

00:16Committee found that children's screen time had increased by 52% between 2020 to 2022,

00:24almost all children in England having their own mobile phone by the age of 12. Using electronical

00:31devices before bedtime can have a huge impact on a child or young person's sleep. Devices

00:38such as phones, TVs, laptops and tablets have a stimulating effect. This can disrupt our

00:45body's internal clock and suppress the release of melatonin, which helps us get to sleep.

00:51But screen time just doesn't impact sleep. It can also have an effect on children's mental

00:56health, with children at risk of encountering harm online, and online images having a negative

01:02impact on their self-esteem. Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust recommend creating a

01:09dialogue about reducing screen time with your children. This can include watching or engaging

01:15in what they are doing, and most importantly, asking questions. They also recommend taking

01:20screen breaks, such as tech-free zones in your household, challenging your children

01:25to a digital detox, setting device timers, setting up a night-time charging station so

01:31they won't be scrolling throughout the night and first thing in the morning, and trying

01:35to stay off electrical devices before bedtime. You can find out more about mental health

01:41wellbeing and tips for parents at Every Mind Matters.