Experts urge healthy screen time habits for children during summer break

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As summer break continues, many children are spending more time on phones, tablets, and other electronic devices, prompting health experts to encourage families to establish healthy screen time habits.

Without the structure of the school year, experts say it’s important to balance screen time with physical activity, family interaction and creative play to support healthy development.

They also warn that excessive social media use can contribute to body image concerns and lower self-esteem as some young people compare themselves to others online.

In addition to potential mental health impacts, prolonged screen use may also affect children’s physical health.

Rand Pennington with Novant Health said spending long periods looking down at phones and other devices can lead to neck and spine problems at younger ages.

“Looking down constantly, it’s just not good body mechanics. We’re actually seeing children come in younger with cervical neck problems and some of those same problems just from being on the devices and the phone all the time,” said Pennington.

Pennington recommends parents help reduce screen time by putting electronic devices away about an hour before bedtime, making mealtimes screen-free to encourage family conversation, and ensuring children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.