Final Research Paper The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Mental Health for Children

The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Mental Health for Children Student Name Institution Course Name Instructor Date Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Abstract PAGEREF _Toc161757634 \h 3Introduction PAGEREF _Toc161757635 \h 4Purpose for the Research Project PAGEREF _Toc161757636 \h 4Background of the Study PAGEREF _Toc161757637 \h 5Objectives of the Study PAGEREF _Toc161757638 \h 5Statement of the Problem PAGEREF _Toc161757639 \h 6Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc161757640 \h 6Methodology PAGEREF _Toc161757641 \h 8Quantitative Research Method PAGEREF _Toc161757642 \h 8Survey-Based Research Design PAGEREF _Toc161757643 \h 9Data Collection PAGEREF _Toc161757644 \h 9Process for Analysis PAGEREF _Toc161757645 \h 9Qualitative Research Method PAGEREF _Toc161757646 \h 9Research Design – Content Analysis PAGEREF _Toc161757647 \h 10Data Collection PAGEREF _Toc161757648 \h 10Results PAGEREF _Toc161757649 \h 10Discussion PAGEREF _Toc161757650 \h 12Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc161757651 \h 12References PAGEREF _Toc161757652 \h 13 ABSTRACT The increase in technology has caused most children to have a high screen time. This increase has caused worries about whether screen time will negatively affect the psychological well-being of children and adolescents. The target group was individuals between nine and twenty years of age. This research employed a quantitative approach, using survey questionnaires to collect critical information. Random stratified sampling was employed for data collection, which divided the participants according to their characteristics. The data was also divided into samples for easier analysis. The research also employed qualitative research methods, which helped to collect open-ended and interpersonal questions. The research employed two open-ended questions regarding the survey monkey for the survey questionnaire. The research showed that there was a link between screen time and the negative impact on the individual's mental health. For example, it caused an increase in depression and anxiety among children and adolescents. Furthermore, it caused increased temper among this group. Some of the children also suffered from poor concentration, and they could not complete the tasks successfully. Individuals with high screen time also suffer from reduced creativity and poor academic performance. Since high screening negatively affected children and adolescents, control measures were employed to control this trend. The common control measures included creating time limits and boundaries, physical activity, and looking for new hobbies. These control measures played a huge impact in improving the mental health of children and adolescents. INTRODUCTION Children's heavy dependency on screen media has raised serious concerns about public health and may be harmful to their mental, linguistic, emotional, and social development. There are several cognitive effects of screen media, both positive and harmful. Although excessive screen time and using screens in conjunction with other forms of media have been related to decreased academic performance and mental functioning, screens can improve learning and academic performance. The study aims to identify the consequences of excessive screen time on children's mental health, emphasizing both the benefits of moderate screen use and the drawbacks of excessive use. Researchers also want to know what steps learners have taken to limit their screen time and build on this by offering further strategies to encourage people to engage in healthy screen time. The study will also establish the significance of the research on the effects of excessive screen time on communication. Purpose for the Research Project This study aims to determine the impact of excessive screen usage on children's mental health. The ages of the children surveyed range from nine to twenty. During these critical stages, their physical and mental health development is crucial, and excessive screen time can be detrimental to both. However, the effects of students' screen time on their physical and mental health are a significant cause for concern. With a focus on both the advantages of moderate screen use and the disadvantages of excessive use, the study attempts to determine the effects of excessive screen time on children's mental health. Identifying and highlighting the detrimental impacts of excessive screen time on a learner's well-being is the main objective of this study. The study's findings will establish the foundation for the knowledge of screen time by children, families, educational institutions, and future researchers. Background of the Study Technology has evolved into an integral aspect of people's lives today. Individuals can communicate with others, research using internet resources, and pass the time by engaging in online games due to their technological devices (Abdullah, 2023). Everybody in the present day can readily benefit from technology. However, excessive screen time has become a significant issue as technological advancements develop. Studies debate if it is advantageous to an individual. While using a screen for instructional purposes may be beneficial, passive screen time might harm a child's growing mental and physical well-being (Tang, 2020). The idea that children over the age of five should limit their recreational screen time to no more than two hours is a remarkable one that numerous research studies have supported. However, due to the public health restrictions put in place by the authorities to fight the epidemic, screen time grew even higher during COVID-19 (Abdullah, 2023). Their focus on screen devices impacts people's physical, emotional, and general well-being. The researchers want to make sure that everyone is aware of the harm that screen time can do to everyone's health, and they want to help students use technology responsibly by coming up with a practical way to stop getting too much screen time. Objectives of the Study This study's main objective is to assess the effects of too much screen usage on children's mental health. The following are the specific objectives: * To ascertain the learner's demographic information based on their preferred learning style and the digital device(s) they frequently utilize. * To evaluate their physical condition, including their eyes, sleep, posture, and body weight. * To evaluate the individual's mental state in terms of their social, cognitive, stress-reduction, and self-esteem abilities and * To ascertain the participant's understanding of and methods for controlling their screen time. Statement of the Problem The research aims to respond to the following questions: * Based on their preferred learning style and the technological device(s) they frequently utilize, what is the students' demographic information? * How does too much screen time affect the physical health of students taking courses online or through modules? * How does too much screen time impact the mental health of students taking courses online or through modules? * Based on their understanding and strategy, how do participants control their screen time? The primary goal of this research is to identify and clarify the negative effects of excessive screen usage on a learner's well-being. The study's findings will lay the groundwork for future researchers, educational institutions, families, and children's understanding of screen time. LITERATURE REVIEW A growing volume of studies links the harmful effects of excessive and obsessive electronic media use to physical, mental, social, and cognitive issues. Devi and Singh (2023) report that studies on smartphone use are becoming more prevalent. The results show that when assessing the effects of screen time, variables including duration, content, use after dark, medium shape, and the number of devices are important. Effects on health and fitness: Insomnia and cardiovascular...