Advances in technology are a mixed blessing: more helpful information at our fingertips allows for limitless learning, however the 24/7 access to games, social networks and the internet in general can be a dangerous temptation with real mental and physical health repercussions, including addiction.  In fact, earlier this summer, The World Health Organization officially designated "gaming disorder" as a diagnosable condition for those showing a pattern of out-of-control gaming behaviors. And now "tech neck," the term coined for back, shoulder and neck pain stemming from long periods of looking down at smartphones and other devices, has become a common complaint among young and old users of handheld technology.

Researchers have found that very frequent digital media activity may have an adverse effect over time, exacerbating symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), specifically attention span.  The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association this month, found that "Frequent distractions could disrupt normative development of sustained attention and organization skills."  Sensation seeking is one of the behaviors associated with ADHD; heavy screen time may satisfy the need for stimulation.   While the authors did not directly implicate heavy screen time in causing ADHD symptoms, they did suggest that further study is warranted.  

Take away: parents play an important role in shaping healthy technology habits.  Avoiding screen-based media for children under 18 months old; setting limits, staying aware of the type of content being viewed are just a few of the recommendations made by The American Psychological Association.  (Check out the APA website to view guidelines for appropriate technology use for children of all ages.) Balancing technology use with other healthy outlets such as exercise, sports, and club participation is the key to support a child's physical and mental health.

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