Inma Rojas, an 18-year-old second-year high school student in Seville, has decided to remove herself from Instagram and TikTok. She realized that these platforms were consuming a lot of her time, especially as she prepares for the university entrance exam in two weeks. Prior to this decision, Rojas spent more than three hours a day on these apps, which exceeded the recommended daily cell phone usage by the World Health Organization.
A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood by the British Medical Journal and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health found that adolescents spend an average of six hours a day on smartphones. In Spain, studies show that students spend close to 200 minutes a day on their phones during the week and up to 300 minutes on weekends.
The excessive use of social media and digital devices can have negative effects on young people’s grades, anxiety levels, body image, and overall well-being. Researchers have found a correlation between increased screen time and lower academic performance, along with other mental and physical health issues.
Experts like psychologist Gadi Lissak warn about the potential dangers of excessive digital media use, including sleep loss, obesity, depression, and changes in brain structure. Studies have also shown that prolonged screen time can lead to poor perception of body image, particularly among adolescents.
Parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s technology use, with many admitting they lack sufficient knowledge to educate their children about safe internet practices. Despite these concerns, the majority of the population remains dependent on technology, with instant messaging apps, social networks, and online video platforms being the primary sources of dependency.
It’s clear that the pervasive use of digital devices among minors has wide-ranging consequences on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Experts and researchers continue to emphasize the need for policymakers and technology companies to prioritize safety and health in order to address the negative impacts of excessive screen time.