Column: The hidden dangers of screen time for kids

In a time where smartphones and social media are as common as playgrounds, parents and educators in our area are grappling with a growing concern: the impact of excessive screen time on children's well-being. As the United Way of the Adirondacks continues its mission to foster healthier communities, programs like Shine On! at SUNY Plattsburgh are stepping up to equip young minds with the tools to navigate this digital landscape safely. The statistics are alarming. Among children who own phones, the median age for receiving their first device is just 11 years old, according to data from Shine On!, a preventive program dedicated to alleviating the mental and emotional pressures kids face. This early exposure coincides with a surge in online activity; nearly half of teens report being online "almost constantly," a sharp rise from 24 percent a decade ago. Platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok dominate children's usage, drawing them in with endless scrolls of videos, filters, and challenges. But beneath the fun lies a darker reality. Studies have consistently shown a correlation between heavy social media use and increased rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and even suicidal ideation among youth. These apps aren't just entertaining; they're engineered to be addictive. Algorithms prioritize engagement through notifications, likes, and dopamine hits, keeping users hooked for hours. "The platforms are designed to maximize time spent, often at the expense of real-world connections and emotional health," explained Colleen Lemza, founder of Shine On!. "We are not anti-media or tech, but the research has become overwhelmingly convincing." Shine On! began as an initiative primarily for 3rd to 5th grade girls, addressing the unique pressures they face from idealized images and online comparisons. Today, the program has expanded to include both boys and girls up to 6th grade, focusing on media and marketing literacy with an emphasis on social media. Through interactive workshops, children learn to critically analyze ads, recognize manipulative tactics, and build communication skills and character strengths like resilience and empathy. In our area, where rural isolation can amplify feelings of disconnection, these issues hit close to home. Families report children spending upwards of twelve hours daily on screens, often leading to sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and strained family interactions. Pediatricians echo these concerns: excessive screen time can disrupt brain development, impair attention spans, and exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities, especially during formative years. Experts recommend practical steps for parents: set screen time limits, encourage device-free family meals, and model healthy tech use. Co-viewing content with children can spark discussions about what's real versus manipulated. Schools are also integrating digital literacy into curricula, but programs like Shine On! provide specialized, hands-on education that's proving effective. As technology evolves, so must our strategies to protect the next generation. The United Way urges Adirondack residents to learn more about Shine On! through SUNY Plattsburgh's website or by connecting with national organizations such as MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction). In a world that's always connected, teaching children to shine offline may be the brightest idea yet. —Casey Gould is Regional Manager of Store Operations for Kinney Drugs and is a volunteer member of the allocation committee and board member for United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc.

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Column: The hidden dangers of screen time for kids

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