
Using screens can desynchronize the body’s internal clock- Bright light and vivid colours on electronic devices can confuse the brain into believing it is daytime. Experts suggest limiting screen time & not using a screen an hour before bedtime to try and prevent this occurring. Just one minute of exposure to screens can delay the release of melatonin which regulates the day and night cycles by a few hours and results in difficulty sleeping or, insomnia. Lack of sleep can cause irritability, anxiety and short empers, as if teenage years aren’t difficult enough.
Altered brain and frontal lobe development- Researchers and scientists have discovered that an excessive amount of screen time can impair the brain structure and function. Long-term exposure to screens can damage the frontal lobe and other areas of the brain, leading to reduced cognitive function. Research has shown that the frontal lobe development is actually being retarded by too much screen time and, as this is the part of the brain which is responsible for a child’s attention span, emotional control and empathic skills, it is very worrying.


Unfortunately screen time can cause addictive behaviour, desensitizing the brains natural reward system. During screen time the brain releases the chemical dopamine which is a natural High and can make children associate screen time with pleasure. This can mimic addiction as children seek to replicate this pleasure through screen usage. some studies have shown that this can create abnormalities within the brain. Even minimal changes in dopamine sensitivity can have a vast impact on your child’s emotions and functioning ability and subsequently affect their behaviour.
Reduced brain connectivity – A recent study in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has shown that screen time and reading alone has the effect on the brain of reducing connectivity. Connectivity is important as it allows a person to think rather than just react. You can effectively train your brain by learning a musical instrument or a foreign language or simply doing traditional reading. Regular exercise has been found to help as well.


Some studies have found a causal link between smartphones in bedrooms and depression. There have been numerous studies to link the blue light from electronic devices at night to depression. It is known that the blue light from screens disturbs sleep patterns by suppressing the production of melatonin but it can also elevate the ‘fight or flight’ stress hormone cortisol. This plays havoc with the sleep cycle, leaving children tired and unable to function well leading to moodiness and a reduced ability to learn, which can cause frustration and, depression. If at all possible, smartphones should be kept out of the bedroom in an effort to avoid this.
Screen usage impacts sleep in other ways too. It simply keeps children busy. Sleep deprivation is a problem on its own merits. Ensuring your child gets sufficient sleep is a battle in itself. It is recommended that children aged 12-17yrs should average 9-10hrs per night but 80% of adolescents are averaging just 7.5hrs. Missing out on these 2 crucial hours can result in problems with memory, attention, decision making and reaction making.


A study by the Radiological Society of North America has found there to be a difference in the brain chemistry of teens displaying addictive behaviour towards technology as opposed to those that showed none. The changes were found in the reward circuit of the brain which showed slower brain functions in the addicted teens. These same teens showed higher scores for depression, anxiety, insomniac tendencies and impulsivity.