Digital Screens and Their Impact on Children's Mental and Physical Health

Screens on electronic devices have become a fundamental part of children's lives, which might affect their well-being. This study aims to assess the prevalence of screen use addiction (SUA) and its related short-term and long-term health complications. This cross-sectional study was conducted among children under 12 years old in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Data were collected through parent-reported questionnaires, including the Screen Use Disorder Questionnaire (SUDQ), Short-term Health Complications Scale (SHCS), and Long-term Health Complications Scale (LHCS). We used Pearson's correlation, regression, t-test, and ANOVA as statistical tools. The participants were 655 children under 12 years old, representing both genders. In which 53.89% of the participants were classified as screen abusers, while 12.82% fell into the addiction category. Children from high economic status and rural areas were more likely to suffer from screen use addiction (SUA). Moreover, 87.94% of participants developed short-term health complications, and 97.09% had severe long-term health complications. A significant correlation was found between screen addiction and both short- and long-term complications; consequently, screen addiction predicts both SHC and LHC (57.7% and 26.2%, respectively). The current study highlights the significant effects of excessive digital screen exposure on children under twelve, pointing out that the sample reported screen addiction, which led children to suffer severe long-term and short-term health consequences.