Is Screen Time Damaging Your Child Heart?

Damaging Your Child Heart:

In recent research published by the American Heart Association, it was revealed that excessive screen time is becoming a major contributor to heart problems in children and teenagers. The study highlighted that extended use of mobile phones, tablets, and television can lead to health issues like poor sleep, obesity, and changes in blood pressure, all of which increase the risk of heart diseases in the future.

Damaging Your Child Heart:
Many children today are spending long hours on screens by especially with online classes, video games.and streaming services. In some cases, children even use their devices before bedtime which impacts their mental health and heart function. Researchers have found that the effects of screen time go beyond just affecting focus and mood it can directly harm the heart.

A key finding from the study, which monitored over 1,000 children for two months, is that every additional hour of screen time increases the risk of heart problems. For children aged 6 to 10, this risk goes up by 0.08%, and for teenagers, it rises to 0.13%. However, the study also showed that proper sleep can reduce this impact by as much as 12%.

This issue is not limited to the United States. Children across the globe, including in India, are spending excessive time on screens. This late-night screen usage disrupts sleep, affects hormonal balance due to blue light exposure, and can lead to obesity, insulin problems, and blood pressure changes, all of which are linked to heart disease.

What Can Parents Do?

1. Set a screen time limit – Limit children’s screen time to no more than 2 hours a day.
2. Create screen-free zones – Avoid devices during meals and in the bedroom.
3. Encourage alternative activities – Introduce activities like reading, storytelling, and music before bedtime instead of screen time.
4. Promote physical activity – Encourage games, cycling, and dance to keep children active.
5. Be a role model – Limit your own screen time and spend quality family time.
6. Use screen time control features – Use built-in phone features to monitor and limit screen usage.
7. Maintain a sleep routine – Ensure children go to bed at the same time each night to maintain a healthy sleep cycle.

Controlling screen time, ensuring proper sleep and encouraging physical activity are the best ways to prevent heart issues in children in the future.

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