Digital overload: how screens are harming children’s mental health
Irritability, unexplained pain, and disinterest in school may be more than just a “normal phase.”
Experts warn of new signs of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.
Persistent irritability, progressive social withdrawal, and physical complaints without an apparent cause may be more than mere “whims” or normal stages of child development. Specialists caution that depression and anxiety in children and adolescents often manifest in subtle ways, making early detection by families and schools particularly challenging.
Alert in Numbers
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven children and adolescents aged 10 to 19 experiences a mental health disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent.
In Latin America, UNICEF data indicate that nearly 20% of adolescents report symptoms consistent with these disorders, with a growing trend that raises concerns about its impact on emotional, social, and academic development.
Experts at the San José University Children’s Hospital (HIUSJ) note that intensive use of cell phones and screens can exacerbate or accelerate the onset of depressive and anxious symptoms, although the effects are not always immediate or obvious.
Signs That Matter
Dr. Mateo Benítez, a psychiatrist at San José University Children’s Hospital, explains:
“The key criterion is not just the presence of a symptom, but its duration, intensity, and the impact on the child’s functioning—especially when there is a clear contrast with their previous behavior.”
Beyond isolated behaviors, specialists emphasize that sustained changes in irritability, disinterest, or academic performance warrant professional attention.
In many cases, emotional distress is expressed physically: abdominal pain, headaches, extreme fatigue, dizziness, or unexplained muscle pain may indicate anxiety or depression, often leading to multiple medical consultations before mental health evaluation is considered.
The impact of cell phones and screens, particularly when used more than three hours daily for social media or gaming, has been linked to sleep disturbances, lower frustration tolerance, and alterations in the brain’s reward circuits. Dr. Benítez issues this warning:
“The impact of screen use is rarely immediate or obvious. It emerges gradually, when a child shows sleep disruptions, irritability when separated from screens, and a preference for them over previously enjoyed activities, ultimately affecting self-esteem and their ability to manage frustration.”
Critical Back-to-School Period
The return to school and changes in academic routines are critical periods. Specialists advise vigilance when children exhibit crying or panic episodes, persistent refusal to attend school, intense physical symptoms, or regressive behaviors.
The guidance is clear: when symptoms persist for more than two weeks, interfere with the child’s daily life, or are accompanied by feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or thoughts of death, timely professional evaluation is essential.
Minimizing these signs or attributing them solely to behavioral issues can have long-term consequences, including low self-esteem, self-harming behaviors, difficulties in social relationships, school dropout, and an increased risk of mental health disorders in adolescence and adulthood.
From a child psychiatry perspective, the message is unequivocal: early detection and intervention improve prognosis, reduce academic and emotional impact, and equip children with healthy tools to cope with stress and developmental challenges.
In an increasingly technology-driven world, San José University Children’s Hospital calls for careful attention to emotional and behavioral changes, strengthening family communication, regulating screen time, and prioritizing children’s mental health as an essential component of overall well-being.
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