‘It’s the most urgent public health issue’: Dr Rangan Chatterjee on screen time, mental health – and banning social media until 18 | Health & wellbeing
A 16-year-old boy’s struggle with mental health led his mother to seek help from their general practitioner, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. The boy had recently been treated in the emergency room for an attempt at self-harm, and doctors recommended antidepressants. However, Dr. Chatterjee believed a deeper understanding of the boy’s life was needed before resorting to medication.
A Growing Concern
Dr. Chatterjee discovered the boy was a heavy screen user. He advised the family to implement a routine of turning off digital devices and social media an hour before bedtime, gradually extending this screen-free period over six weeks. Within two months, the boy no longer required appointments with Dr. Chatterjee. A few months later, the boy’s mother reported a remarkable transformation – he was re-engaging with friends and exploring new activities, appearing “like a different boy.”
Dr. Chatterjee believes the widespread integration of screens into children’s lives represents “the most urgent public health issue of our time.” He points to a growing swell of action, including Australia’s ban on social media for those under 16 and Spain’s recently announced plans for a similar measure. Grassroots organizations in the UK, such as Smartphone Free Childhood and SafeScreens, are also advocating for change.
The Call for Regulation
Dr. Chatterjee suggests the legal age for social media use should be raised to 18, aligning it with restrictions on gambling, and pornography. He argues that society already has safeguards in place to protect children and that the current situation feels like an uncontrolled experiment. He believes tech companies have exerted undue influence over decisions regarding children’s well-being, stating that expecting Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg to prioritize children’s health is “delusional.”
He notes that adults also struggle with screen use, making it even more challenging for children whose prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for rational decision-making – isn’t fully developed until age 25.
Potential Harms
Dr. Chatterjee outlined a range of potential harms associated with excessive screen time, including negative impacts on mental health, anxiety, sleep, posture, and even eyesight. He cited research indicating that 10% of nine-year-olds and 27% of 11-year-olds have been exposed to pornography, with a significant percentage of online pornography containing violent content – up to 90% in one French study.
Dr. Chatterjee, who previously practiced as a GP, now focuses on raising awareness through his podcast, “Feel Better, Live More,” which has garnered over 350 million listens and 1.3 million YouTube subscribers. He emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes and preventive health, believing the NHS is currently ill-equipped to address issues stemming from modern lifestyles.
A Personal Perspective
Dr. Chatterjee’s advocacy is also rooted in personal experience. He recounted instances of discrimination faced by his father, an immigrant doctor in the UK, and a moment where a retailer declined to stock his first book because “they already had a book on their shelves by an Indian doctor.” He believes that addressing these systemic issues is crucial for creating a more equitable and supportive environment.
He now prioritizes his own well-being and relationships, emphasizing that the quality of those connections is the “No 1 factor for long-term health, happiness and longevity.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Dr. Chatterjee to focus on screen time?
Dr. Chatterjee’s focus on screen time stemmed from a case involving a 16-year-old boy who attempted self-harm. He found that addressing the boy’s high screen use, particularly before bed, led to significant improvements in his mental health.
What actions are being taken to address concerns about screen time?
Australia has implemented a social media ban for those under 16, and Spain is planning a similar measure. In the UK, grassroots organizations are advocating for change, and Dr. Chatterjee believes the legal age for social media use should be 18.
What are some of the potential harms associated with excessive screen time?
Excessive screen time has been linked to mental health issues, anxiety, sleep problems, posture issues, language delays in young children, increased risk of myopia, and exposure to inappropriate content, including pornography.
As concerns about the impact of screens on young people continue to grow, what steps can families take to foster a healthier relationship with technology?