Screen Damage: The Dangers of Digital Media for Ch ildren

Younger generations have increased recreational digital consumption, with children in the West spending over 2.5 hours of screen time a day by the age of 13. This is equivalent to almost 30 school years or 15 years of full-time employment. While media experts argue that children are adaptable and screens make them smarter, other specialists dispute these claims and many parents worry about the long-term consequences. Michel Desmurget, a leading neuroscientist, has assessed the scientific evidence and found that digital activities have significant detrimental consequences on the health, behavior, and intellectual abilities of young people, and strongly affect their academic outcomes. This is a wake-up call for anyone concerned about the long-term impacts of our children's over-exposure to screens.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The younger generations have witnessed a remarkable surge in all forms of recreational digital consumption, spanning across smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and televisions. According to data, children in the West begin accruing over 2.5 hours of screen time per day from the age of 2, and by the age of 13, this figure exceeds 7 hours per day. When calculated over the first 18 years of life, this amounts to nearly 30 school years or 15 years of full-time employment. While some media experts argue that children are adaptable and possess a natural aptitude for digital technology, others, including pediatricians, psychiatrists, teachers, and speech therapists, dispute these claims. Many parents also express concerns about the long-term consequences of their children's extensive exposure to screens.

In a comprehensive analysis of the scientific evidence, Michel Desmurget, a renowned neuroscientist, has shed light on the detrimental impact of children and adolescents' digital activities on their health, behavior, and intellectual abilities. Desmurget's findings indicate that these activities have profound consequences, affecting young people's academic outcomes and overall development. This serves as a stark wake-up call for anyone who is concerned about the long-term implications of our children's over-exposure to screens.

It is crucial to recognize that the proliferation of digital devices and the constant availability of online content have created a new environment for children and adolescents. While technology can offer educational benefits and opportunities for creativity and social interaction, it is essential to strike a balance and ensure that children are not solely consumed by screens. Parents, educators, and policymakers need to work together to create guidelines and policies that promote healthy digital habits and limit the excessive use of screens.

This can involve implementing screen time limits, promoting physical activity and outdoor play, and fostering face-to-face interactions and social skills. Additionally, schools can play a vital role in promoting digital literacy and teaching children how to use technology responsibly and effectively. By taking a proactive approach, we can help ensure that our children grow up in a balanced and healthy digital environment, enabling them to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 227 x 165 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509546404