Effect Of Screen Time On Cardiovascular Health In School Going Children

Abstract

Background:The rapid proliferation of digital technology has led to increased screen exposure among children, often at the cost of physical activity, sleep, and social interaction. Excessive screen time is now being recognized as a potential risk factor for early-onset cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. While international guidelines have established permissible screen time durations, there is limited data evaluating the cardiometabolic impact of screen usage among children in semi-urban Indian settings.

Aim:To estimate the association of screen time with cardiovascular health parameters among school-going children aged 6–18 years.

Objectives: To determine the average screen time in the study population; to assess its association with cardiovascular indicators such as BMI, blood pressure, waist circumference, blood glucose, and lipid profile; and to analyze the relationship between physical activity and screen time.

Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over six months among 171 school-going children in the 6–18-year age group from selected schools in Chengalpattu district. Data collection included a structured proforma capturing sociodemographic variables, physical activity, and screen time. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference), blood pressure, random blood sugar, and lipid profile were assessed using standard protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS v17.0, applying appropriate statistical tests at a 5% level of significance.

Results:A significant proportion of children reported screen time exceeding two hours daily. Increased screen exposure was significantly associated with higher BMI and waist circumference, indicating a trend toward overweight and obesity. Children with longer screen time had elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Biochemical markers revealed higher mean values of random blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, with lower HDL levels in the high screen-time group. Inverse relationships between activity levels and day-time screen use were reported, indicating a distinct displacement effect.

Conclusion:The research shows that an intense relationship exists between extended screen use and poor cardiovascular health indicators in children. High screen use is associated with obesity, raised blood pressure, poor glycemic control, and dyslipidemia. These observations highlight the need to limit screen use and promote physical activity in children to prevent long-term cardiovascular risk.