SCREENS HAVE HARMFUL EFFECTS ON CHILDREN’S SLEEP

According to a Cardiff University study, 72 percent of children have at least one portable media device in their sleep environment. It’s said that such devices affect the duration and quality of sleep, which can lead to health problems.
Dr. Ben Carter from the University’s School of Medicine said that sleep is crucial for development. He mentioned that their study was the first to connect and provide additional evidence of the harmful effects that media devices may have on children’s sleep.
“Sleep is often underestimated, but it plays a crucial role in children’s development – regular sleep deprivation leads to various health problems,” he said.
Among these are obesity, sluggish behavior, stunted growth, decreased immunity, and mental health issues.
Dr. Carter warned that with the increasing popularity of smart devices, the problem is only worsening. He stated that an “inclusive approach” involving parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals is needed to improve sleep habits.