When it comes to screens and teens the results are toxic, new UQ research warns

Brisbane research has exposed the negative effects of computer, smartphone and video game screen time on teenagers.

More than two hours a day of recreational screen time is toxic for teenagers, new research by the University of Queensland’s School of Health and Rehabilitation finds.

Prolonged time spent on the computer, watching television or playing video games have serious effects on adolescent health, such as irritability, nervousness, sleeping difficulties, headache, abdominal pain and dizziness.

The study found that teen boys who watched over four hours of television a day were 67 per cent more likely to report psychosomatic complaints, while girls were 71 per cent more likely, compared with those who watched less than two hours.

Teens who spend more than two hours on the computer for non-academic purposes have a higher likelihood of experiencing psychosomatic effects. Picture: Getty Images

Participants who played over four hours of video games had a 78 per cent increased risk of effects in boys and an 88 per cent increase in girls.

But it was computer use for entertainment purposes that was found to pose the greatest threat, with an 84 per cent risk for boys and 108 per cent for girls.

Associate Professor Asad Khan said the findings of the study were concerning.

“Teens need to be limited to less than two hours per day,” Prof Khan said.

“When children are spending too much time on the screen they will not get enough opportunity to go out and have their physical activity… it’s actually compromising their physical health.”

Excessive screen time could cause children to neglect physical activity. Picture: Supplied

The researcher said that teens could also be missing out on sleep resulting in negative health impacts.

“Insufficient sleep will end up with different health issues and abrupt behavioural changes, weight gain, behavioural problems and other health problems [such as] poor eye health, back strain and poor communication and problem-solving skills.”

The research, made up of over 400,00 children from over 40 countries, confirms the suggestion from the Australian 24-hour movement guidelines of no more than two hours recreational screen time, excluding academic work, for those aged between five and 17 years.

“Screen time has increased exponentially over the last 15-20 years with the invention of social media and smartphones, so what we’ve started to realise is the detrimental effect of high screen time.”