Be careful with screens: impact on the mental health of children and adolescents.

In a world where screens dominate the leisure time of children and adolescents, the concern over their effects on development and mental health is becoming increasingly evident. A recent report by Dr. Vivek Murthy, the top public health authority in the United States, emphasizes the lack of evidence regarding the safety of social media for younger individuals, a warning that resonates with echoes of past alerts about smoking. This focus prompts the medical and educational communities to pause and reflect on the urgency of the issue. The UNESCO study highlighting the negative impact of excessive screen use on students' academic performance reveals that 1 in 4 countries has regulations restricting mobile phone use in schools, laying the groundwork for a crucial debate. The question is simple yet profound: how can we keep children and adolescents away from screens, and what strategies can help those who might be struggling with low self-esteem due to poor grades? Pediatrician Daniel Becker, who has studied the topic, mentions that the harmful effects of excessive device use range from cognitive disorders to physical and mental health problems. "Loss of learning, altered behaviors, and social isolation are just some of the consequences we have observed," he warns, emphasizing that the situation could worsen if preventive measures are not taken. In the realm of research, a study conducted at University College London revealed that adolescents with internet dependency exhibit brain alterations that affect their intellectual capacity and mental health. The psychology of addictions, as noted by Miguel Vallejos Flores, also highlights changes in brain chemistry that can occur with excessive use of social media and electronic devices. Examples of serious problems stemming from screen addiction are already alarming. A psychologist in the Dominican Republic recounted cases where children become aggressively extreme when deprived of their devices, while in Peru, a group of students manipulated images of their peers in an incident of cyberbullying that ended in the exploitation of inappropriate content. The situation is severe and extends beyond behavioral issues; cyberbullying has surged, with thousands of cases reported in various nations. Communication between parents and children is also affected by screen use. A Uruguayan study showed that many adolescents feel their parents do not understand their concerns, exacerbating generational disconnect. It is a troubling phenomenon that requires immediate attention and effective strategies to improve family communication. In the face of the multiple risks associated with screen use, some promising initiatives have begun to emerge. Media education is becoming a focal point, with programs like "EducaMídia" in Brazil training teachers to teach students how to consume content critically. Additionally, countries like Portugal and Spain are taking the lead by implementing policies that prohibit mobile phone use in classrooms, a step aimed at fostering social interaction and learning in a distraction-free environment. The positive experience of Rio de Janeiro in banning mobile phone use in schools has generated a glimmer of hope. The swift adaptation of children and the satisfaction of families supporting these measures suggest that the educational community can find a path toward a healthier and less technology-dependent learning environment. However, not all solutions are straightforward. In places like Buenos Aires and various schools in Mexico, educational authorities are beginning to take measures to regulate device use, but the path is not easy. Families also play a crucial role by setting limits and encouraging alternative activities that do not involve screens. Finally, it is vital to remember that the social and economic context of each family influences how the issue of screens is addressed. Not all children have the same relationship with technology; in some cases, internet access is essential for their education. Therefore, it is crucial to develop inclusive policies that take into account the diverse realities of children and adolescents in the region. In light of this landscape, it is evident that the fight against excessive screen use in childhood and adolescence is not just the responsibility of schools but a joint effort involving families, governments, and society as a whole. Establishing clear limits and promoting a balanced and conscious use of technology is the first step toward a future where children can grow up healthy, both mentally and emotionally.