“Screen time” is a relatively new term in the parenting world. There was a time when children’s only digital exposure came from watching T.V. after school and on weekends. But with the way technology has grown and evolved over the past decade, screen time has skyrocketed. This growing trend has many parents concerned about the long-term effects of prolonged screen time on their children and the frequent exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

Current Data on Screen Time Among Children and Teens

Data from the past few years reveals that children and teens spend an average of 7-9 hours a day on screens – primarily smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles. And that number continues to rise. It seems unbelievable when considering how much time kids spend in school on a typical day, but this screen time isn’t just happening at home anymore. Many schools are embracing new technology to enhance the learning experience in the classroom and provide instant feedback to students. These learning tools can be incredible for reaching different types of learners, but they also significantly add to the digital exposure children and teens are accumulating throughout the day.

For children aged 5-11, daily screen time ranges from 4-6 hours. Teens (ages 12-18) often exceed 8 hours, with many spending more than 12 hours on screens during weekend days. According to recent surveys:

• 77% of teens use social media daily
• 60% of children use devices to watch videos or play games for over 3 hours a day
• 30% of kids under 5 have their own tablet or smartphone

With this increased screen time comes increased exposure to the EMFs emitted by devices, raising concerns about the long-term effects on young, developing bodies.

Understanding EMFs

EMFs are waves of energy emitted by electronic devices, and researchers are sounding the alarm on potential adverse health effects from these frequencies. Children and teens are exposed to EMFs daily from:

• Smartphones and tablets
• Wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers
• Gaming consoles
• Wi-Fi networks at home and school

EMF exposure compounds with proximity to wireless devices and the time spent using them. Teenagers and older children often keep phones in their pockets or use wireless headphones, which increases their proximity to EMF sources for extended periods of time. But why should parents be concerned about EMF exposure?

Physiological Effects of Screen Time and EMF Exposure

“Screen time” has become a buzz word in the world of child health and wellness. But how exactly does it affect young people’s growing bodies?

EMF’s Impact on Sleep Patterns

In a recent review of studies looking at the connection between children’s sleep and screen time, 90% of these studies found that screen time before bed resulted in the child getting less sleep than usual, or experiencing more frequent wakings at night. One reason for this is blue light exposure, which suppresses the production of the hormone melatonin that regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle. 

But blue light isn’t the only culprit. Studies have found that exposure to EMFs also suppresses melatonin. With screen time before bed exposing children to both blue light and EMFs, it’s no wonder sleep could suffer as a result.

EMF & Cognitive Function

Parents and teachers both are concerned about how EMF exposure is affecting children and teens, specifically due to the fact that their brains are still developing. Because of their thinner skulls and higher water content in brain tissue, their brains absorb more EMF radiation than adults. Recent studies have looked into the potential effects of EMF exposure and cognitive function, finding prolonged use of cell phones is linked to increased problems with concentration and focus, memory issues, and learning challenges.

A study conducted specifically with children showed EMF exposure from screen time was linked to poorer visuomotor coordination, poorer nonverbal IQ, and working memory. Issues with any of these can cause even the brightest of children to struggle academically and negatively impact their self esteem.

Effects on Physical Health

Excessive screen time contributes to a wide range of physical issues for children and teenagers. The time spent looking at their devices can cause eye strain, headaches, and even nearsightedness. More screen time leads to less activity, and this growing sedentary trend has been linked in part to the rise of childhood obesity. 

There’s also growing concern about the potential for more serious health risks from long-term EMF exposure, including DNA damage and immune system suppression. However, the threat of excessive screen time is relatively new, so long-term effects are still largely unknown. It could be years before we fully understand what all of this digital exposure is doing.

Mental Effects of Excessive Screen Time

Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health

Too much screen time has been linked to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and stress in teens. According to the National Institutes of Health, children who spend more than 7 hours a day on screens are twice as likely to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. There are a few reasons for this, one of which being the self-esteem crushing effects of social media which makes up a large percentage of most teens’ screen time. The impact EMF and blue light exposure have on sleep contribute to mental health issues as well. We know the mind and body are linked. When one suffers, so does the other. Without adequate sleep, teens are more prone to anxiety and depression.

EMF exposure can further worsen mental health issues by contributing to stress levels in the body. When exposed to high levels of EMFs, they trigger our body’s production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These highly reactive molecules can damage cells and increase stress levels in children and teens.

Behavioral Issues

The entertainment found on screens is designed to be addictive, driven by dopamine feedback loops. Children and teens can become dependent on their devices, which leads to behavioral problems when it’s time to power them off. Teens are especially prone to dependency on the dopamine-driven feedback loop created by constant notifications and “likes.” This makes it difficult for teens to disconnect, and when teens spend excessive time on screens, they may become reliant on these devices for validation. Withdrawal symptoms from screen addiction can look just like those of other behavioral addictions, including anxiety, mood swings, and even depression. 

Studies on attention span and screen time have been emerging in recent years. Parents and teachers are concerned, and with good reason. The content children and teens are devouring online, through games, and on T.V. is highly stimulating and distracting. Especially with the emergence of short-form videos that quickly became the norm, their brains are becoming rewired to expect something new and different every minute. Then when it comes time to sit through a lesson or a more involved task, they have a difficult time focusing.

Compounded Daily Effects: What Parents Should Know About EMF

It’s not just the amount of screen time that matters – it’s also the compounded effects of this constant EMF exposure. Daily exposure from multiple devices adds up. Kids are on their devices before school, at school, after school, on weekends – and while the effects may not be immediate, they accumulate over time. 

Parents need to be aware that the health risks of device usage go beyond eye strain and headaches. The long-term impact of EMF exposure on developing brains and bodies has to be considered, especially since children are often exposed to multiple EMF sources at the same time.

Strategies for Reducing Screen Time

Screen-Free Zones and Times

Reclaim family time and device-free spaces in the home. For better sleep, reduced EMF exposure, and overall online safety, consider making bedrooms device-free zones. Setting screen-free periods, such as the hour before bed, can also help regulate your child’s sleep patterns.

As parents, we can model healthy habits for our kids by making sure we’re not attached to our devices 24/7 and observing the screen-free times as well.

Encouraging Physical Activity and Unplugged Hobbies

Instead of “taking away” the screens, help your children and teenagers focus on what they’re gaining: time. We can help our kids find new hobbies they might not have otherwise explored, possibly igniting new interests. Promote physical activity and “real world” socializing which benefits them on a physical, mental, and emotional level.

EMF Protection Technology

Completely cutting out screen time is not exactly realistic in our world today, especially with the growing access to learning devices in schools. To protect kids and teenagers from the harmful effects of EMFs while they’re using their devices, look into investing in EMF protection devices such as my personal favorites – the Aires Tech Lifetune products. This passive technology can be worn or attached directly to the device, so it works without us having to think about it!

Protecting the Next Generation: Be Proactive

As parents, it’s our responsibility to recognize the growing risks associated with excessive screen time and EMF exposure in our children’s daily lives. Technology can be a valuable tool. But like any good thing, we have to exercise moderation, especially when overuse can lead to significant physical, mental, and behavioral consequences in young people’s growing minds and bodies. 

We can take proactive steps now: set boundaries around screen use, encourage screen-free activities, and model a healthy relationship with technology. The decisions we make today will shape their long term health, so let’s guide our children toward a balanced, safer digital future.