Too Much Screen Time May Put Kids’ Hearts at Risk
As screen use becomes a bigger part of daily life for children and teens, new research is raising red flags about its potential health impacts. A study just published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that increased recreational screen time may be associated with early signs of heart and metabolic risk in young people.
According to the report, researchers in Denmark analyzed data from more than 1,000 participants—ranging in age from 10 to 18—and found that each additional hour of recreational screen time was associated with a higher overall cardiometabolic risk score. These scores reflect a combination of factors such as waist circumference, insulin resistance, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. While younger children averaged about three hours of screen time per day, teens reported an average of six hours.
In addition to these health markers, scientists found what they described as a “metabolic fingerprint”—a set of biological changes in the blood that corresponded with screen time levels. They believe these early indicators could help predict future cardiovascular concerns.
A major takeaway is that screen time may affect sleep, which in turn impacts health. According to the study, roughly 12% of the increased health risk could be attributed to shorter sleep durations and later bedtimes. Kids who spend more time on screens tend to sleep less, move less, and snack more—patterns that could collectively raise long-term health risks.
It is important to note that the research is observational – meaning it shows correlation, not causation. The screen time data was also self-reported or reported by parents, which introduces some margin of error. However, the findings reflect growing concerns among health experts and parents about how excessive screen time and poor sleep patterns may negatively affect children’s well-being.
While this doesn’t mean screens can or should be eliminated entirely, it points to the importance of creating healthy boundaries around screen use – especially in the evenings. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following tips to help families create healthy screen habits:
Set consistent screen-time limits for weekdays and weekends.
Designate screen-free zones—such as bedrooms, dinner tables and during homework time.
Make time for outdoor play and movement each day.
Keep screens out of bedtime routines to protect sleep quality.
Model healthy screen habits by limiting your own use and engaging in tech-free family time.
As families gear up for the back-to-school season, now is a great time to review household screen routines. By building healthy habits early, parents can help protect their children’s well-being now and as they grow into adulthood.
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