Impacts of screen time on children

The impacts of screen time on children have been discussed on the Huberman Lab, highlighting several concerns:

1. Induced ADHD from Smartphones: Andrew Huberman noted that smartphones, with their rapid turnover of context and infinite number of attentional bits, are making it harder for people, including children, to focus. This constant shifting of attention may lead to deficits in attention needed for performance in areas like work, school, or relationships, potentially inducing a form of ADHD. He mentions that although long-standing studies are ongoing, it is evident that these interactions lead to attentional issues 1.

2. Screen Time and Sleep: On the subject of managing screen time, the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, highlighted the importance of protecting the hour before bedtime and throughout the night as technology-free sacred spaces. Access to devices during these times can significantly impact the quality of sleep, as kids may stay up later or wake up in the middle of the night and return to their devices 2.

To summarize, excessive screen time can affect children's ability to focus, similar to symptoms of ADHD, and disrupt their sleep patterns. It is suggested to delay the introduction of social media at least past middle school and establish technology-free periods, especially before bedtime, to mitigate these effects.