A new study has found a direct link between screen time and cardiometabolic risk in children, raising alarm over the health effects of prolonged digital device use.
The research, conducted by scientists from the University of Copenhagen, followed over 1,000 children aged 10 to 18. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, show that extended time spent on screens significantly increases the risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
The study tracked children’s daily screen usage alongside sleep patterns and physical activity. Researchers measured various cardiometabolic health indicators to determine the impact of digital consumption on the body.
According to the study, each additional hour of screen time per day corresponded with a measurable increase in cardiometabolic risk factors. Children who spent more hours on screens were found to be up to 50 percent more likely to exhibit early warning signs of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Dr. David Horner, the lead researcher, said that while these risks may seem minor in the short term, they can lead to serious long-term health problems if not addressed early.
“When screen time increases across an entire population, even by one or two hours, we see a collective rise in early indicators of chronic disease,” Horner said.
One of the most concerning findings is how screen time often displaces healthy behaviors. Children who spend long hours on screens typically get less sleep, exercise less, and engage in fewer social or physical activities—all key factors in maintaining metabolic health.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that children are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of screen exposure. Their developing bodies and brains are more sensitive to habits formed during adolescence, including poor sleep hygiene and sedentary behavior.
Experts warn that the situation is worsening. Global surveys indicate that children between the ages of 8 and 18 are now averaging over seven hours of screen time daily, well above the recommended limit.
Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), advise that recreational screen time for children be kept to under two hours a day. They also recommend at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity and consistent, device-free sleep routines.
Parents and educators are being urged to take immediate steps to address the issue. This includes setting daily screen time limits, encouraging outdoor play, and creating screen-free zones in homes and classrooms.
Dr. Horner emphasized the importance of early intervention. “These are lifestyle factors that can be modified,” he said. “But if ignored, the long-term impact on our children’s health systems could be severe.”
With rising childhood obesity rates and earlier onset of lifestyle diseases, experts say it’s time to treat excessive screen use not just as a behavioral concern but as a significant public health issue.
