Alarming screen time in NZ schools linked to health issues in students

WELLINGTON - New Zealand students have among the world's highest digital device use, and the highest in-class internet use in the world, ending with long stretches of time in front of screens with dry eyes, back pain, poor sleep, and anxiety, according to research published recently, reported Xinhua.

Emerging evidence is indicating that frequent, extended use of digital technologies is associated with negative impacts on the health and well-being of children and adolescents, even though digital technologies offer benefits, such as exposure to social contacts and support, potential learning opportunities, and access to health promotion information, said a narrative review published in the New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy.

The article provides an overview of the impacts of using digital technologies on the health and well-being of children and adolescents across eight areas, including vision, hearing, obesity, pain, sleep, cognition, mental health, and social impacts.

From 2012 to 2018, the global rate of adolescent digital device use increased from 21 to 35 hours per week, whereas in New Zealand, it increased from 22 to 42 hours per week in the same period, the article said.

Screen time further increased during the COVID-19 pandemic for children and young people, with online schooling rapidly adopted and a future direction for hybrid schooling having emerged. However, recent research suggests that screen time has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, it said.

The article also indicated the risks of digital device use, including compromise of privacy and confidentiality, exposure to harmful and inaccurate content, and reduced educational outcomes.

The authors from the Auckland University of Technology, University of Auckland and Massey University recommend encouraging kids to take regular breaks, maintain good posture, and limit screen time, especially before bed. - BERNAMA-XINHUA