Scientists have announced the impact of dependence on gadgets on mental health

A new study among teenagers aged 11-12 years has shown that dependence on mobile phones, social networks and video games is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems and sleep disorders. This was reported on February 12 by Medical Xpress magazine.

Early adolescence itself is a critical period in which mental health problems and sleep disorders manifest themselves, but children are more likely to start using gadgets during this period. According to the publication, about 49.5% of teenagers in the United States have experienced mental illness.

Although many early studies have focused on the total time spent using gadgets in older adolescents, this analysis focuses on problematic, addictive screen use patterns at an early age and their association with adverse health effects.

"Problematic screen use is when children can't control the time they spend online, even if they try, and it starts to cause stress, conflict, or problems at school or at home. It can also lead to withdrawal syndrome, when children need to spend more time online to feel satisfied, and to repeated relapses, as with other addictions," said lead researcher Jason M. Nagata, MD, from the University of California, San Francisco.

The researchers analyzed data from more than 8,000 patients in the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States and followed adolescents aged 11-12 for a year. The results showed that dependence on gadgets and social media was associated with higher rates of depression, somatic disorders, attention and behavior disorders, and sleep disorders. Addiction to video games, in turn, has been linked to higher rates of attention and behavior disorders, depression, and sleep disorders.

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According to the publication, this study fills in key data gaps identified by the head of the U.S. Department of Health in 2023 in the recommendations on social media and youth mental health. It uses a forward-looking approach, focuses on early adolescence, and examines problematic screen use, not just the time spent watching them.

The results also highlight the importance of an intervention specifically tailored for adolescents, as this age is a critical period when psychological vulnerability often manifests itself for the first time.

Nagata stressed that not all the time spent on gadgets is harmful. According to him, the real risk arises when use becomes addictive or problematic: when children can't stop, feel stressed if they don't use the devices, or it starts disrupting their sleep, mood, or daily lives.

"Our findings suggest that both digital platforms and families should consider ways to reduce the addictive features of apps and social media, as these usage patterns are amenable to change and can affect the mental health of adolescents," concluded the expert.

On January 28, Medical Xpress reported on the relationship between time spent on gadgets and the quality of sleep for teenagers. It was clarified that screen time not only worsens the quality of sleep, but also affects children's beliefs about a healthy lifestyle. Experts recommended holding events aimed at reducing teenagers' time behind phone screens, increasing social interaction and developing alternative activities.

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