A new study has raised alarms over children’s increasing screen time, linking it to higher risks of heart disease and diabetes.
Researchers found that even an hour of extra daily screen exposure could significantly raise the chances of developing serious metabolic conditions.
Children and adolescents who spend extended hours on phones, tablets, or in front of TVs may be exposing themselves to long-term health dangers, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on Wednesday.
The research, conducted by a team at the University of Copenhagen, analyzed screen time and sleep patterns in more than 1,000 children aged 10 and 18. It aimed to explore the link between sedentary digital behavior and cardiometabolic risk factors—which include high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels.
Every hour counts: More screen time, more health danger
Lead researcher David Horner emphasized the measurable risk increase with each added hour of screen use.
“A child with three extra hours of screen time a day would have roughly a quarter to half a standard-deviation higher risk than their peers,” Horner said in a statement.
“Multiply that across a whole population of children, and you’re looking at a meaningful shift in early cardiometabolic risk that could carry into adulthood.”
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In simpler terms, more screen time means greater odds of developing early-stage conditions that lead to cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Warning signals for policymakers and parents
While researchers around the world remain divided on the long-term impact of screen exposure, a growing body of evidence suggests that younger populations are especially vulnerable to these risks compared to adults.
The findings are expected to spark further debate among public health experts and education policymakers, especially as children continue to rely heavily on digital devices for both education and entertainment.
Horner and his team urge parents and guardians to strike a balance between screen use and physical activity, especially as lifestyle-related illnesses begin to surface earlier in life.
Sleep also plays a role
The study also considered sleep patterns, noting that excessive screen time often disrupts sleep quality and duration—another key contributor to cardiometabolic health. Poor sleep combined with prolonged sedentary behavior can compound health risks, experts say.
What can be done?
Experts recommend the following preventive measures:
- Limit screen time to two hours per day outside schoolwork
- Encourage physical activities such as walking, cycling, or sports
- Ensure healthy sleep routines
- Promote device-free time, especially before bed
Global concern, local implications
With similar screen habits observed in children across the world, including in South Asia and Pakistan, the findings carry global public health implications.
In countries like Pakistan, where urban children increasingly rely on mobile phones and television for entertainment, experts caution that early interventions are needed. Public awareness campaigns and digital literacy programs could play a key role in mitigating future health crises.
