Screentime health risks: Excessive screen time may do more than affect children’s mental health; it could also increase their risk of developing heart-related health problems, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen analysed data from over 1,000 participants, ages 10 and 18, collected through two large Danish studies. The findings indicate that increased time spent on phones, TVs, computers, and gaming consoles is associated with a higher risk for cardiometabolic conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
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The study showed that each additional hour of screen time was linked to a measurable increase in disease risk: about 0.08 standard deviations in 10-year-olds and 0.13 in 18-year-olds. Lead researcher David Horner noted that while the per-hour effect is small, cumulative exposure, often reaching 6 hours daily in teens, could have significant consequences.
Sleep was also a contributing factor. Less sleep and later bedtimes appeared to worsen the impact of screen time on heart health, suggesting that digital device use may be detrimental in part by displacing sleep.
“Limiting discretionary screen time during childhood and adolescence may help safeguard long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health,” Horner said. “Our results show that these risks can start accumulating early, underlining the need for structured daily routines.”
Although the study was observational and relied on self-reported data, it adds to growing evidence that prolonged screen use among youth can affect more than just emotional well-being. The findings come as health officials, including the US Surgeon General, continue to call for reduced screen exposure among children. Many US states have introduced or passed legislation restricting phone use in schools in response to rising health concerns.
