Is your child's screen time creating a mental health problem? Experts weigh in
In a country where adults spend nearly a third of their waking hours scrolling through smartphones, South African children are silently suffering the consequences of our collective screen addiction. The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) is sounding the alarm on what has become a genuine mental health crisis among the nation's youth.
The concern has grown so widespread that 'brain-rot'—the term describing the impact of consuming excessive low-quality online content—was recently crowned Oxford Dictionary's Word of the Year. For South African families, this isn't just a clever phrase but a daily reality with serious implications.
The numbers tell a troubling story
Research reveals a direct connection between screen time and mental well-being. Adolescents spending more than five hours daily on digital devices are 70% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or actions compared to those with less than an hour of daily screen time. Even moderate usage (4-6 hours daily) significantly increases symptoms of anxiety and depression.
South African adults are setting a problematic example, averaging 9 hours and 37 minutes daily on smartphones. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok consume more than 22% of this time.
'If we as adults are addicted, how can they not be?' questions Prof. Renata Schoeman, psychiatrist and SASOP member.
'We cannot expect children to moderate their screen time when they see adults constantly glued to their phones. Children learn by observing. If we don't model healthy digital behaviour, we are silently endorsing screen addiction.'
Read more | 3 reasons why you should trade screen-time for cuddles with your little one
Beyond mental health: The full impact
The consequences extend beyond mental health concerns. Studies across 14 countries found that mobile phones consistently distract students from learning. Even having a phone nearby with notifications interrupts concentration, and once distracted, children may need up to 20 minutes to refocus.
Professor Schoeman outlines several specific mental health impacts linked to excessive screen use:
Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem
Disrupted sleep, especially when screens are used before bedtime
Declining academic performance due to concentration issues and reduced motivation
Social withdrawal as digital interactions replace face-to-face connections
Exposure to harmful content including cyber-bullying and messages promoting disordered eating
Physical health also suffers, with screen-addicted children experiencing higher rates of obesity, headaches, eye strain, and poor posture.
Finding balance in a digital world
Despite these concerns, SASOP isn't advocating for complete digital abstinence.
'It's not about banning screens, it's about balance,' explains Prof. Schoeman.
'There's a big difference between a family movie night and hours of unmonitored scrolling or gaming. The key is to be mindful, involved and consistent.'
Read more | Boys in Crisis | A look behind why boy children are 'left' behind in society
For parents seeking guidance, Prof. Schoeman offers practical recommendations:
Age-appropriate limits: no screens for children under 2 years; maximum 1 hour for ages 2-5; ideally no more than 2 hours daily for older children
Prioritise offline activities, particularly outdoors, to support overall wellbeing
Model responsible habits by taking breaks and switching off devices during meals and before bedtime
Establish device-free zones and times, especially during family meals
Take overnight custody of children's devices to ensure proper sleep
'Children don't need perfection from their parents, they need consistency,' Prof. Schoeman emphasises.
'Small, daily changes like putting your phone away at dinner sends a powerful message. And right now, our children need that message more than ever.'
In a nation where digital devices have become extensions of ourselves, the most valuable gift we can offer the next generation might be teaching them when—and how—to disconnect.
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