The Negative Side Effects of Screen-time on High School Aged Students

In our increasingly digital world, high school-aged students are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. While technology can be a valuable tool for learning and entertainment, excessive screen time can have several negative side effects on these young minds. Below are four specific negative effects of excessive screen time.

1. Impact on Physical Health

Excessive screen time can have a profound impact on the physical health of high school-aged students. Prolonged periods of sitting and staring at screens can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to issues like obesity and poor posture. The lack of physical activity can result in decreased muscle strength and flexibility. Moreover, extended screen exposure, particularly at night, can disrupt sleep patterns, affecting the overall well-being of these students.

2. Decreased Academic Performance:

1. High school is a critical time for learning and academic development, and excessive screen time can hinder students' ability to concentrate and retain information. Frequent distractions from social media, online gaming, and other digital diversions can lead to reduced productivity and poorer academic performance. A study conducted by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found a correlation between excessive screen time and lower test scores and grades.

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3. 3. Mental Health Concerns:

4. High school is a period of intense social and emotional development, and excessive screen time can have a negative impact on the mental health of students. The constant exposure to unrealistic standards on social media can lead to body image issues and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, the addictive nature of online gaming and social media can contribute to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

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6. 4. Reduced Interpersonal Skills:

7. Excessive screen time can lead to a decline in real-world social interactions and communication skills. High school students may become less adept at face-to-face conversations, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, as they spend more time in the digital realm. These crucial interpersonal skills are essential for success in both academic and professional settings, making it crucial for students to strike a balance between screen time and personal interactions.

The issue of excessive screen time is one I take seriously as I work towards becoming a high school teacher. Most students nowadays have their own personal device and typically spend most of their time outside of school using some type of electronic device. I feel that as teachers, we need to do our best to limit the amount of screen time our students face during school. The classroom can be a place where students can practice skills not associated with technology. Teachers should have this on their mind when lesson planning, and do their best to expose students to real-life learning experiences.

Here a video on some of the side effects of screen time. Great video to show students!

Resource from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.