Excessive screen time can harm a child’s heart

Excessive screen time can harm a child's heart

Plenty of studies have shown that screen time is harmful to a child's brain development, in some cases creating behavioral issues, depression and anxiety. But a new study recently released found that significant time on devices can also negatively affect the heart.

For young children, it's difficult to regulate their use of devices by themselves, which is where parents need to step in, says Erin Davis, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at Emplify Health by Gundersen. But as they grow older, teens need to take charge of their health, which includes making healthy decisions. But when it comes to screens, in today's world, that can be difficult.

"It's hard to slow down the screen time because it is being used for educational purposes in schools, and as our children and teenagers become young adults, they're using a lot of screens with work, as well," Dr. Davis says. "So, it's hard to negate all screen time, but look at the time using a screen and the quality of what you're doing with the screens."

The study showed that as screen time increased, so did the risk of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. That includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased abdominal wall fat and increased insulin resistance.

"It's things that used to be only an issue in older adults, and it's becoming younger and younger that these kinds of diseases are creeping in on us," Dr. Davis says.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under the age of two, and for older children, one to two hours of recreational screen time per day - not including screen use for school. For parents, it's best to implement screen-free time, for instance, at the dinner table or during outings away from home.

"Make sure screens stay out of the bedroom; no TV, no phones in there, which can help lessen the screen time but also help with children's sleep," Dr. Davis says.

For more tips on how to manage your child's screen time, visit gundersenhealth.org/health-wellness/pregnancy-kids/how-screen-time-affects-your-kids-health.