Electronic media (i.e., smartphones, televisions, or other electronic devices) has offered us unprecedented access to music, entertainment, information, and to each other. Internet access and electronic devices have offered so much value, however, that 8- to 18-year-olds spend approximately 7.5 hours per day with electronic devices, according to a national study published in 2010 by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Too much of a good thing has consequences. For example, researchers studying health effects found that blue light from screens can disrupt sleep, and electromagnetic fields from electronics may contribute to various adverse health effects (including DNA damage, reproductive issues, and neurotoxicity). All that exposure to electronic media can contribute to obesity, negatively influence your brain (which is still developing until age 20), and lead to developing unhealthy habits that are hard to break.
To create a healthier balance, consider the tips below.
