Technology has undeniably made our lives more convenient. GPS apps seamlessly guide us, and cell phones store our important dates and contacts. Social media was initially heralded as a tool to foster connection, especially for marginalized groups. While it has delivered on some promises, it has also revealed a troubling paradox: those most connected online are often the loneliest.

Even before COVID-19, the U.S. faced a growing mental health crisis among youth. Rates of suicide, ADHD, anxiety and overdoses were all climbing. Research now shows that younger children are particularly vulnerable, with a growing need for psychiatric support as their screen time increases.

Excessive screen use in children is linked to sleep disturbances, delayed social and language development, obesity, behavioral challenges and reduced time spent on physical activity and meaningful social interactions.

The statistics paint a dire picture. Between 2010 and 2019, depression among youth increased by over 50 percent. Suicide rates among 10- to 19-year-olds rose 48 percent, with an alarming 131 percent increase for girls aged 10-14. According to a 2023 CDC report, 30 percent of U.S. teen girls have seriously considered attempting suicide — a 60 percent increase over the past decade. Among young adults, heavy social media use is associated with a threefold increase in depression.

This crisis goes beyond the simple comparison culture often blamed on social media.

Cell phones are not just portable TVs. Unlike passive entertainment from shows like “The Brady Bunch” or “Hawaii Five-O,” today’s technology is interactive. Kids aren’t just observing life — they’re immersed in it, often blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

MRI studies reveal that prolonged screen use can shrink the prefrontal cortex — the brain region responsible for decision-making, impulse control and emotional regulation. This rewiring leaves children less prepared to navigate challenges, manage emotions and make sound decisions.

Additionally, excessive screen use overstimulates visual pathways, stunting creativity and impairing children’s ability to visualize and comprehend what they read. As a result, reading becomes less enjoyable and less effective, further hindering cognitive development.

The ability to read effectively is one of the strongest predictors of future success. Financial security in adulthood is closely tied to literacy, problem-solving and critical thinking — skills cultivated through reading and face-to-face interaction but hindered by excessive screen exposure. Studies show that children who spend less time on screens are three times more likely to enjoy reading. Notably, students also retain information better from printed materials than digital screens.

Financial success depends on strong executive functioning skills like planning, impulse control and decision-making — capacities that excessive screen time undermines. Without these critical skills, children may struggle in higher education, career advancement and with financial independence later in life.

What can we do? Adults can promote better “digital hygiene” by setting regular screen breaks, encouraging outdoor play and physical activity, and ensuring that digital content is age appropriate.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Reducing screen time isn’t just about safeguarding children’s mental and physical health; it’s about equipping them to thrive socially, academically and financially. This is not merely a lifestyle adjustment — it’s an investment in their lifelong success.

Donna Joy, of Shepherdstown, is in her second term on the Jefferson County Board of Education. Her comments are personal, and do not represent the Jefferson County Board of Education as a whole. She can be reached at DonnaJoyBOE@gmail.com.