A new study has raised alarm over children’s growing screen time, connecting it to higher risks of heart disease and diabetes. Researchers discovered that even just an hour of additional daily screen exposure could significantly elevate the chances of developing serious metabolic conditions.
Children and adolescents who spend extended hours on phones, tablets, or watching television may be exposing themselves to long-term health dangers, according to research published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
The study, conducted by a team at the University of Copenhagen, analyzed the screen time and sleep habits of more than 1,000 children between the ages of 10 and 18. Its goal was to explore the connection between sedentary digital behavior and cardiometabolic risk factors—which include high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels.
Every Hour Counts: More Screen Time, More Health Danger
Lead researcher David Horner emphasized that the risk measurably increases with each extra hour of screen use.
“A child with three extra hours of screen time a day would have roughly a quarter to half a standard-deviation higher risk than their peers,” Horner stated. “Multiply that across a whole population of children, and you’re looking at a meaningful shift in early cardiometabolic risk that could carry into adulthood.”
In simpler terms, more screen time means a greater likelihood of developing early-stage conditions that can lead to cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Warning Signals for Policymakers and Parents
While researchers worldwide are still divided on the long-term impact of screen exposure, a growing body of evidence suggests that younger populations are particularly vulnerable to these risks compared to adults.
The findings are expected to spark further debate among public health experts and education policymakers, especially as children continue to rely heavily on digital devices for both education and entertainment.
Horner and his team urge parents and guardians to find a balance between screen use and physical activity, especially as lifestyle-related illnesses begin to appear earlier in life.
Sleep Also Plays a Role
The study also considered sleep patterns, noting that excessive screen time often disrupts both sleep quality and duration—another key contributor to cardiometabolic health. Experts state that poor sleep combined with prolonged sedentary behavior can compound health risks.
What Can Be Done?
Experts recommend the following preventive actions:
- Limit screen time to two hours per day, excluding schoolwork.
- Encourage physical activities like walking, cycling, or sports.
- Establish healthy sleep routines.
- Promote device-free time, particularly before bed.
Global Concern, Local Implications
With similar screen habits observed in children across the world, including in South Asia and Pakistan, the findings have global public health implications. In countries like Pakistan, where urban children increasingly rely on mobile phones and television for entertainment, experts caution that early interventions are necessary. Public awareness campaigns and digital literacy programs could play a crucial role in mitigating future health crises.
