Karachi (NNP) —
If your children spend hours on social media daily, this habit may threaten their academic performance and mental development, warns new research by the University of California.
The study found a strong link between excessive social media use and a decline in intelligence and learning ability among children under 13.
Social Media Affects Children’s Intelligence and Learning Skills
Researchers discovered that social media affects children’s intelligence by impairing their ability to perform in reading, vocabulary, and memory tests.
Children who regularly use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube showed lower cognitive performance compared to those with minimal or no exposure.
“There is a clear connection between frequent social media use and reduced mental capacity,” the researchers noted.
Study Groups and Their Performance
The University of California study divided students into three groups:
- Children who do not use social media at all.
- Children who spend about one hour daily on social platforms.
- Children who spend over three hours daily on social media.
The third group performed the worst in academic and memory-based tasks, confirming that long-term exposure can damage learning focus and retention ability.
Educational and Developmental Impact
Unlike earlier studies that explored only psychological effects, this research focused on academic consequences.
Experts warn that excessive screen time disrupts concentration, sleep patterns, and neural growth, leading to weaker academic results.
“Reducing daily screen exposure and encouraging outdoor learning activities can significantly improve brain health,” the researchers added.
Parental Guidance and Recommendations
- Limit children’s social media use to under one hour per day.
- Promote reading, outdoor games, and creative hobbies.
- Use parental control tools to manage screen time.
- Encourage children to discuss what they view online to maintain awareness and balance.
