The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released some eye-opening data on teen screen time. If you’re a parent, you’ll want to see this.

A recent CDC report found that about half of all teenagers in the U.S. spend four hours or more on screens each day, not including schoolwork. This high level of screen time is linked to a number of health concerns.

The Connection to Health

The CDC’s research shows a clear association between high screen time and adverse health outcomes for teenagers. Teens with four or more hours of daily screen time were more likely to report:

• Infrequent physical activity
• Concerns about their weight
• Symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Infrequent social and emotional support

It’s important to note that this data is self-reported by teens, which provides a unique and valuable perspective on their own experiences and well-being.

Disparities in Screen Time

The report also highlighted some disparities in screen time among different groups of teenagers. For example, teens from families with lower parental education levels were more likely to have high screen time. Teenagers in metropolitan areas also reported higher screen time than those in nonmetropolitan areas.

What Can Parents Do?

In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) moved away from specific time-based guidelines for screen time and instead recommended that families create a media plan. This plan should establish a healthy balance and consistent rules around screen use.

Here are some tips for creating a family media plan:

• Set Boundaries: Establish screen-free times and zones in your home, such as during meals and in bedrooms.
• Encourage Physical Activity: Make sure your teen is getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
• Prioritize Sleep: Help your teen establish a regular sleep routine and avoid screens before bed.
• Talk About It: Have open and honest conversations with your teen about the content they are viewing and the importance of a healthy digital-life balance.

By working together as a family, you can help your teen develop healthy habits around screen time and mitigate the potential negative health effects.

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