Ramona Gheorghe
- Head Physician, child and adolescent psychiatrist and Adlerian psychotherapist, with 12 years of practice in hospital and outpatient clinics, coordinator of multidisciplinary assessment and intervention teams in mental disorders in children and adolescents, lecturer at Generatia Foundation of the Psychiatry course of the child and adolescent, the Developmental Disorders course and the Adolescent Pathology course;
- Member of the Romanian Association of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy;
- Member of the Romanian Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Associated Professions;
- Member of the European College of Psychoneuropharmacology;
- Member of the Romanian Federation of Psychotherapy
- Member of the Adlerian Psychology and Psychotherapy Association
- Trainer accredited by the Ministry of Labour.
Presentation: Influence of the time spent in front of screens for children and adolecents
Abstract:
Time spent in front of the screens is part of our modern life , especially for children and adolescents. Even if technology gives us lots of benefits, excessive use could have negative impact on mental health.
In the digital era, children and adolescents spend a lot of time in front of screens, Tv, computers, tablets or mobile phones.
A study of Kaiser Family Foundation¹ showed that children spend aprox. 7 hours by day in front of a screen. This long exposure could have serious consequences on thier mental health and development.
Mental health effects :
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Attention problems
Global developmental problems:
- delay in speach development
- decrease of brain connectivity
Behavioral effects:
- Agressive behavior
- Sedentarism and obesity
Solutions and Recommendations:
- Limited time with screens
- Promoting physical activity
- development of healthy rutines
Conclusion
Time spent in front of screens could have significant effects on mental health and global development of children and adolescents. It is important that parents and educators and also poliltcal programs makers to be aware of these effects and take measures to limit the exposure and promote a healthy life style.
Adopting preventive measures and encourage physical activity and social interaction we could contribute to better mental health state and general wellbeing for children and adolescents.