Teen's 11-Hour Screen Time Sparks Alarm

A concerning trend of excessive online engagement among children is emerging as a social issue. Shiori, a 14-year-old who receives psychiatric care in Nagoya, exemplifies this problem, spending over 11 hours daily on her smartphone. This duration significantly surpasses the average of five hours and 24 minutes reported for junior high students in a Children and Families Agency survey.

Her increased screen time escalated after she faced difficulties at junior high school, resulting in prolonged absences and withdrawal at home. Despite family rules, Shiori struggles to limit her usage, often feeling bored and aimlessly browsing. Her mother has observed changes in her behavior and finds it challenging to manage her screen habits.

Child psychiatrist Ryohei Niwa from Meieki Sako Mental Clinic highlights a rise in digital media dependence, identifying warning signs like irritability when use is restricted and an inability to stop. He notes an increase in such cases over recent years, emphasizing the growing need for intervention and support for affected youth.