How Screentime Affects the Mental Health of Children & Teens
Screens are having a significant impact on the mental health of our youngsters in a multitude of ways. We need to know how and what we can do to minimise this impact.
How Screentime Affects the Mental Health of Children & Teens
RECORDING AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE
Suitable for parents, teachers and professionals
Screen time is now a central part of children’s and adolescents’ daily lives. While technology brings many benefits, excessive use can impact brain development, emotional wellbeing, relationships and overall mental health.
- 83% of Irish teenagers report having their mobile phone in their bedroom at night.
- 56% of 15- and 16-year-olds in parts of western Ireland are not getting the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep; those who sleep less report significantly poorer mental health outcomes.
- 34% of adolescents aged 12-18 say they spend more than 3 hours online per day; this group has higher rates of reported depression and anxiety.
- 22% of adolescents (12-18) report severe anxiety - more than double what it was in previous years.
- Between 15% and 21% of adolescents and young adults report severe or very severe depression, a rise from ~8-14% in previous years.
Understanding these effects is crucial for parents, educators and professionals who want to support young people in building healthy digital habits.
In today’s world, it can be challenging to set boundaries around devices and social media. Many families wonder what “healthy screen use” really looks like and how to strike a balance that supports wellbeing.
In this webinar, you will:
· Examine the biological, psychological and social mechanisms through which screen time influences children’s and adolescents’ mental health
· Understand the short- and long-term impacts of excessive screen use on wellbeing, emotional regulation and relationships
· Learn practical, evidence-based approaches to support healthier digital habits and promote positive mental health
You will receive a Certificate of Attendance, a copy of worksheets and lifetime access to all materials.
Your Instructor
Dr Lorraine Lynch is the Clinical Director of the Child Psychology Institute (CPI). She holds a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology from London Metropolitan University (LMU) and is accredited by the HCPC and BPS. Her research thesis was based on the lived experience of children with Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) from the perspective of their parents. During her doctorate training, she completed placements in the private sector working on breastfeeding advocacy and support, and also within the NHS (Kidderminster Hospital, Birmingham) working on the promotion of digital health solutions. Dr Lorraine has won numerous awards within the social innovation and enterprise space, receiving a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland award in 2014, Enterprise Ireland's New Frontiers Award in 2021 and Network Ireland 'Power Within Champion' Award in 2022. Dr Lorraine is also the author of two books designed to promote children’s wellness - #100happydays4kids and Closing Saor’s Day.
Her most important role is a mother to three smallies, who serve as a constant reminder of how much potential exists within each child.
“Even the tallest trees always begin as a seed.” A. J. Darkholme