Children between the ages of 9 and 11 in the U.S. who have more screen time are more likely to develop binge eating disorder (BED) a year later, the study found – and social media is a main culprit.
Every hour spent on social media was linked to a 62% higher risk of binge eating disorder a year later, while every hour spent watching television or movies was linked to a 39% higher risk, the study found.
Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurring, brief periods of high food consumption – or binge eating – often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. People who suffer from BED usually feel sad or guilty after the binge, researchers said.
But some common screen-related activities can give way to earlier diagnoses.
“Binge-watching television can lead to binge eating because of overconsumption and loss of control,” Nagata said in the press release.
This overconsumption, in conjunction with social media – which can cause negative body image in children, the release said – could create the conditions for binge eating.
While previous research had examined associations between screen time and mindless eating or overeating, Dr. Natalie D. Muth, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Obesity, told CNN that the new study looks specifically at binge eating.
Still, she said, it’s important to recognize that this study points to an association – not a causal one.
“It’s not clear that screen time really causes binging,” she said. “It may be that there is something else – perhaps depression or boredom – that leads to both behaviors.”
The pandemic requires more screen time
“The Covid-19 pandemic has caused children to spend so much time on screens for both school and entertainment, with a huge void in extracurricular activities,” Muth said.
She said the American Academy of Pediatrics has seen an increase in obesity and eating disorders since Covid-19 emerged, raising concerns among experts about the consequences after a pandemic.
“Once we get through this pandemic, we will have to deal with the mental health effects on children and adolescents for a while,” she said. “Some of that will be related to addictive on-screen behaviors and eating problems, including binge eating.”
But parents can be proactive
The pandemic has encouraged long-term screen-based behavior and often made it necessary through online education. But parents can follow strategies to minimize the risks.
Muth recommends scheduling as many meals and snacks as possible, with limited distraction. She said parents should not allow or strongly discourage eating on a screen or device.
Sleep is also important, Muth said, because increased eating habits are common later in the evening. She recommends not having screen time within an hour of bedtime. Parents can ban devices in children’s rooms for this, she said.
It is important that parents model a healthy relationship with nutrition and practice these tips as well.
But when parents notice their kids’ behavior, Muth said, they can talk to them in an open-minded way to better understand what’s going on – and seek help if they’re worried their child’s eating habits are out of control. walked.
Although the study was conducted before the Covid-19 outbreak, the findings prove timely and highlight the need for more research into correlations between screen time and adolescent well-being, the release said.