Researchers surveyed over a half-million youths ages 11 to 15 and found that girls who spent an hour a day on devices such TVs, cellphones, computers, and video games, and boys who spent about 90 minutes a day on their screens, were more likely to feel sad about their lives and that the more time they spent on screens, the worse they tended to feel. In addition, those who were less active physically were more likely to feel irritable or nervous, and to report trouble sleeping, headaches, stomachaches, and backaches, the surveys found.

A glimmer of good news is that even teens who reported more than eight hours a day on their screens showed dramatic increases in life satisfaction and fewer health complaints when they bumped up their physical activity and decreased their screen time.

Teens who were more physically active reported improved well-being.

The findings were published in the journal The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.

As I say, “Kids need more “green time,” and less “screen time to boost their mental and physical health.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2021. This blog provides a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.