Study Links Excessive Screen Time in Youth to Higher Heart and Metabolic Risks

Study Links Excessive Screen Time in Youth to Higher Heart and Metabolic Risks
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Children and teenagers who spend more time on screens may face increased risks of heart and metabolic diseases, according to research published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 participants in Denmark, finding that each additional hour of daily screen time raised disease risk scores in both 10- and 18-year-olds.

Risks were higher among teens, who averaged six hours of screen use daily, compared to three hours for younger children. Researchers noted that less sleep and later bedtimes intensified the link between screen time and health risks, suggesting that devices may harm health partly by reducing sleep.

While the study was observational and relied on self-reported screen use, lead author David Horner said limiting recreational screen time could help protect long-term heart and metabolic health. The findings add to ongoing debates over youth device use and school cellphone restrictions.