08/19/2025
Excessive Screen Time Poses Early Heart Health Risks for Children, Study Finds
The endless hours children spend on cell phones, gaming consoles, and other devices may be putting their heart health at risk, according to new research released by the American Heart Association.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, revealed that excessive screen time is linked to cardiovascular issues in children and young adults at much earlier stages of their lives. Researchers examined more than 1,000 participants between the ages of 10 and 18 and found strong associations between high screen use and cardiometabolic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
“I am seeing younger and younger patients come in,” said Dr. Shawn Sanders, a cardiologist with Baptist Heart. “We’ve seen bad effects on attention span, stress hormones, anxiety, and depression, but now recent studies from Denmark show screen time in particular is affecting people’s heart health even at young ages.”
Medical experts warn that prolonged scrolling or gaming, while seemingly harmless, can elevate heart rates and interfere with the eight hours of rest critical for children’s growth and development. Poor sleep—both in duration and quality—has emerged as a significant factor in declining cardiovascular health among youth.
Recommendations for Parents and Guardians
Physicians and researchers emphasize proactive steps to safeguard children’s health:
• Start early by setting consistent limits on screen time.
• Shift device use earlier in the day to promote better sleep patterns.
• Establish earlier bedtimes to ensure adequate rest.
• Remove phones and gaming devices from bedrooms overnight.
• Encourage physical activity and outdoor play without devices.
The data is sobering: only 29% of children between the ages of 2 and 19 in the United States are currently considered to have healthy hearts and blood vessels.
“This is a wake-up call for parents,” Dr. Sanders added. “We must take steps now to protect the long-term health of the next generation.”
