A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has raised serious concerns about the effects of extended screen use on children’s heart health, revealing that even one additional hour of daily leisure screen time may increase cardiometabolic risk. In a world where smartphones, gaming devices and online classes have become routine for young people, the findings highlight that the consequences of excessive screen exposure go beyond attention and mood—they may be shaping long-term cardiovascular health.
Researchers tracked more than a thousand children and adolescents in Denmark using objective measurements of sleep and physical activity, paired with self-reported screen time habits. Cardiometabolic risk was evaluated through critical markers including waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides and glucose. The analysis found that the risk rose steadily with each additional hour of screen use, with adolescents showing even stronger associations than younger children. The study also identified a specific blood biomarker pattern linked to high screen use, hinting at biological pathways that may connect screen habits to future disease risk.
One of the most striking findings was the role of sleep. Children who slept less or went to bed later displayed far higher susceptibility to the negative effects of screen exposure. The research indicated that healthier sleep routines could offset some of the damage, suggesting sleep as a key protective factor. Though observational, the results underscore a dose-dependent relationship between screen habits and cardiometabolic health, offering valuable insights for parents, educators and healthcare providers worldwide.
For Indian households, the implications are particularly relevant. Screen time among children has surged in recent years, accelerated by digital schooling and widespread smartphone access. At the same time, India has been witnessing a rise in childhood obesity, metabolic disorders and irregular sleep patterns. The study’s findings mirror familiar realities: children are increasingly sedentary, exposed to screens late into the night and navigating digital content during meals or study hours. Cultural habits, such as family television time before bed, intensify sleep disruptions that worsen metabolic outcomes.
Experts emphasize the importance of reducing discretionary screen time and promoting consistent, high-quality sleep to safeguard heart health. They encourage families to introduce simple adjustments that fit naturally into Indian routines—structured screen schedules, device-free meals, calming pre-bedtime rituals, cultural storytelling, active indoor play and shared hobbies that draw attention away from screens. Parents are also encouraged to model healthy behaviour themselves, as children imitate adult habits.
The study’s message is clear: preventing cardiometabolic risk begins early, and small lifestyle changes today can lay the foundation for healthier hearts tomorrow. By limiting screen exposure, improving sleep hygiene and encouraging more movement, families can counterbalance the growing digital pull on young lives. While the research serves as a warning, it also offers a roadmap—one that empowers parents to create environments where children’s bodies and minds can thrive.
