How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

In our modern society, it is almost unthinkable to spend a day without looking at your phone. Almost half of Flemish people call themselves dependent on their smartphone . Among 18 to 24 year olds, this number even reaches 71 percent.

Social media has fundamentally changed the way people communicate, access information and spend their free time . While these platforms offer many benefits, there have also been legitimate concerns about their negative effects, particularly on young people’s physical activity and health.

How much time do you spend behind a screen on average? And what if this affects your health ?

The hard numbers of our social media use

Recent studies show that people spend an average of 7 hours a day in front of a screen . If you have an office job, this number can increase . These figures have only increased in recent years, despite experts warning about the health risks . Staring at a screen for long periods of time not only takes a toll on your eyes , but also on your mental well-being and physical health.

A vitamin deficiency

It is striking that excessive social media use causes children and young people, but also adults, to spend less time outdoors . Playing, sports or simply spending time in nature is nevertheless essential for the development of children and young people.

When you spend less time outdoors, you are more likely to develop a vitamin deficiency . Vitamin D is primarily obtained through exposure to sunlight . Lack of sufficient sunlight can therefore lead to a vitamin D deficiency, which in turn can contribute to health problems such as weakened bones, decreased immune function and even mood disorders.

Multivitamins can be a good supplement for children (12 years and older), adolescents and adults who do not get enough vitamins . It is important to emphasize that multivitamins are not a replacement for the benefits of natural sunlight and outdoor activities. They should rather be seen as a supplement to a healthy lifestyle .