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14 November 2025
Screens Are a Daily Reality for Kids. How Much Are They Harming Them?
“Am I the only one who is noticing a rampant phone addiction problem among children over time? I recently rode a train for five hours, and a 10-year-old child sat glued to their screen, watching/recording TikToks.” — Anonymous Reddit User
We all hear similar stories. Phones, computers, and televisions—we can’t live without them. They entertain us, allow us to work, and help us learn. But now, it turns out they are stealing our health, too—starting from a very young age.
What Scientists Discovered About screen time heart risk?
People who use screens excessively are far more prone to cardiometabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, and insulin resistance. What’s worse, this applies not only to adults but especially to children and adolescents. The consequences of these habits can carry over into their adult lives. What supports these conclusions?
Study Conducted on 1,000 Children
Researchers from Denmark conducted a study on over 1,000 minors. They analyzed the time surveyed minors spent in front of a screen and compared it to their risk factors for developing cardiometabolic diseases. In addition, they considered various lifestyle factors, including sleep. The impact of screen time on health is clear.
Every Hour of Screen Time Increases Heart Disease Risk
The study results, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, showed that every additional hour spent in front of a screen increased the risk of heart problems: by approximately 0.08 units for younger children, and by 0.13 units for older teenagers.
On paper, this looks like a minor change, but in practice, it means something entirely different.
Danish Research: Even Small Exposure Matters
When a child spends three, five, or six hours a day in front of a screen, this “minor” increase is multiplied many times over. Consequently, their risk of heart disease can be significantly higher than that of peers who use devices less frequently.
Blood Tests Also Confirm the Link
The connection between screen time and health issues was also confirmed by blood tests, which showed clear negative changes. Importantly, this phenomenon does not have an expiration date. Therefore, it can affect the subjects’ health well into the future.
Interestingly, there is one factor that severely worsens the screen-time-induced decline in health.
Lack of Sleep Magnifies Negative Screen Time Health Effects
Researchers found that subjects who went to bed later and slept for shorter periods had a 12 percent higher risk of developing diseases, even if they spent the same amount of time in front of screens as their peers who maintained proper sleep hygiene.
Shorter sleep works two ways: children who spent more time in front of screens cut short their nightly rest to do so. As a result, their bodies were not only burdened by harmful factors but also lacked the chance to fully recover and regenerate.
Protecting Your Family’s Heart Health
Heart failure is a major health crisis globally. These alarming statistics demand necessary changes. Which ones?
Write these down—these actions will help prevent heart problems:
- Limit Screen Time: Set clear boundaries on daily use.
- No Screens in the Evening: Avoid using devices before bed.
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 8 hours of consistent, regular sleep.
- Introduce Physical Activity: Tailor exercise to age, health, and current fitness level.
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Choose one rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (including fish).
- Limit Processed Foods: Reduce high-calorie processed items.
- Avoid Stress and Stimulants: Manage stress proactively.
- Get Regular Check-ups: Ensure regular health screenings.
The screen time heart risk, especially on children, is significant. Researchers found that every additional hour spent on devices increases the risk of heart problems. Furthermore, sleep is a crucial factor: the less children sleep, the greater their risk of illness.
Read this article in Polish: Niepokojące badania: godzina przed ekranem niszczy serce dziecka
