Pediatricians and psychologists warn about excessive screen use during the summer and its impact on children’s health

More free time during the holidays can lead children and teenagers to spend more hours using smartphones, tablets and video game consoles. Pediatricians and psychologists from the Ribera healthcare group warn that excessive use of these devices can replace activities that are essential for child development and affect sleep, physical activity, attention and emotional well-being.

Dr. Gonzalo Ros, pediatrician and pediatric neurologist at Ribera Mestalla and Ribera Pasarela, believes the issue should not be assessed solely by the number of hours spent in front of a screen. In his view, it is more important to consider which activities are being neglected because of digital entertainment. Sleep, exercise, family relationships and other everyday experiences can be pushed aside when screens take up too much of a child’s routine.

The situation can become more pronounced during the summer. Juan Pablo López, a psychologist at Ribera Hospital de Molina, explains that holidays provide children with more free time and disrupt their usual routines, making electronic devices an easy way to overcome boredom.

Daniel Valencia, a healthcare psychologist at Ribera Juan Cardona Hospital, agrees that the main warning sign appears when the screen becomes the main or only form of entertainment. In these circumstances, sports, spending time with friends, outdoor activities and family time can gradually take a back seat.

The value of boredom

Experts point out that boredom is not necessarily negative. On the contrary, periods without a scheduled activity can help children develop imagination, creativity, initiative and spontaneous play. If every idle moment is automatically replaced with digital content, children have fewer opportunities to find new ways of entertaining themselves.

Dr. Ros also points out that children’s brains are still developing and that apps, video games and digital platforms are designed to hold users’ attention. A constant stream of stimuli and immediate rewards can make it harder for children to learn patience or concentrate on less stimulating activities.

The effects associated with excessive screen use include sleep problems, irritability, tiredness, attention difficulties, sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity. Difficulties in social and family relationships may also arise, along with reduced development of language- and empathy-related skills.

According to Daniel Valencia, some behavioral or mood-related problems seen in consultations can improve when children recover healthy sleep habits and more structured routines.

Warning signs to watch for

During the holidays, experts recommend looking out for certain behaviors that could indicate a problematic relationship with digital devices. These include:

• Irritability or anger when a smartphone, tablet or game console is taken away.
• Loss of interest in games or activities that were previously enjoyable.
• Rejecting family or social plans that do not involve digital devices.
• Turning to screens to deal with boredom, sadness or other emotions.
• Difficulty falling asleep or using a smartphone at night.

For Daniel Valencia, rather than focusing exclusively on a specific number of hours, it is important to assess the level of dependence the screen creates and whether it interferes with other areas of a child’s life.

Technology yes, but in moderation

Ribera specialists stress that the aim should not be to turn technology into the enemy. Digital devices are part of children’s and teenagers’ everyday lives, and learning how to use them properly is also part of their education.

Dr. Gonzalo Ros believes that setting limits does not necessarily mean banning technology. The goal is to guide children so that they learn to use technology responsibly and in a balanced way, a skill they will also need as adults.

Recommendations include agreeing on clear family rules and schedules for device use, avoiding screens before bedtime and keeping devices out of the bedroom at night. Parents are also encouraged to offer attractive alternatives such as sports, walks, games, outdoor activities and family plans.

Experts also recommend setting aside certain times of the day without technology and encourage adults to lead by example by avoiding constant smartphone use around children.

As psychologist Juan Pablo López concludes, the goal is to allow digital entertainment to have its place during the holidays without allowing it to replace sleep, physical activity, social relationships and shared family time.