Heavy internet usage leads to health risks in teenagers, says study
Posted on: 08/Oct/2015 5:19:58 PM
A study published in the Journal of School Nursing says that teenagers who spend too many hours on the Internet are prone to high blood pressure and weight gain. Elevated blood pressure was found in those who spent 14 hours a week on the internet. The study was conducted by scientists at Henry Ford`s Department of Public Health Sciences.
The study has shown a connection between excessive usage of the internet and health conditions such as addiction, anxiety, depression, obesity and social isolation, researchers said.
The study was conducted by analysing data from 335 teenagers aged between 14 and 17 years. These participants had a blood pressure test conducted. They also answered a survey of 55 questions that asked details of their internet usage in one week. These questions included time spent on the net, the number of email addresses they had, the purpose of using the internet, etc. The usage of internet included browsing web sites, emailing, instant messaging, gaming, homework, shopping, downloading or creating/ maintaining webpages.
The results showed that an average of 15 hours a week was spent on the net - both at school and at home. The heavy users were 39% of the girls and 43% of the boys.
Speaking about this, one of the researchers said, Using the Internet is part of our daily life but it shouldn`t consume us. In our study, teens considered heavy Internet users were on the Internet an average of 25 hours a week... It`s important that young people take regular breaks from their computer or smartphone, and engage in some form of physical activity. I recommend to parents they limit their children`s time at home on the Internet. I think two hours a day, five days a week is good rule of thumb.
