Screen Time and Brain

By 

Sana Hassan

How the Screen Time damages the Brain?

The time-killing leisure and modes of entertainment are increasing rapidly. A new game, An App or a
Movie is introduced every second. The speedy internet and highly compatible smartphones have made
access even easier. With the availability of complete series on hands through Netflix and similar Apps,
the anticipation of a new episode every week has extinct. Among kids, muddy swings are replaced by
consoles and bedtime stories are replaced by poems played on YouTube. All of this poses a serious
threat to Mental Health and Brain Function.

Effects on Brain development

Child’s brain goes through a critical period of development throughout the growing age especially till the
age of three years. Exposure to the screen during this period impairs this development. For example, if a
child watches a video story he is only seeing the pre-made images. But if he is read a story his brains
form new connections and explore the world of imagination on its own. This enhances creativity and
problem-solving skills in children. Moreover, the screen time also stunts the growth of frontal lobe (top
front part) of the brain. This makes a child less empathic and less likely to handle social interactions.

Electronic Screen Syndrome

These are the common symptoms associated with overexposure to screen in a form of TV, Laptops and
cell phones. The long termed exposure overstimulates the brain, this means that the Brain releases
stress hormones in a large amount. The high level of stress hormones rewires the brains under the
conditions of constant stress. This results in poor performance in daily life activities such as organizing,
decision-making ability and prioritizing. The person becomes more and more irritable. Poor memory,
decreased concentration span and decreased problem-solving abilities are also found associated with
the excessive screen time.

Disrupted Sleep-Wake cycle

Human body designs its own cycle according to the exposure to the light, especially blue light. As the
night sets in, the sunlight (that also consists of blue light) decreases. This results in the release of
Melatonin (the hormone that regulates the sleep cycle) which induces sleep. Excessive screen time,
particularly before the bedtime, gives the brain the false sense of day time. This is because the light
coming out of screen also consists of a blue color. This exposure disrupts the normal cycle and results in
sleep deprivation.

Moderation is the Key

The screen isn’t all criminal, its over-exploitation is. The success lies in the intelligent use of the screen
and managing the time. Get the work done in the office and enjoy jogging, reading and fresh air of the
rest of the day. Don’t binge-watch the whole series in 3 days. Enjoy and relish one episode at a time.
Restrict the screen time for the children and encourage them to go out and play even if they get all dirty.
And lastly, remove all kinds on screen three hours before going to the bed.