Smartphones and Childhood Obesity

When we first started monitoring youth culture here at CPYU, smartphones did not exist. Kids who spent time in front of a screen did so with televisions. It was long before there were connections being made between time spent watching television, and obesity among kids. Now, researchers are looking at the relationship between smartphone use to diet and weight among adolescents. One recent study found that even moderate smartphone use may influence the dietary choices and weight of teens. Kids who used a smartphone more than two hours a day were significantly more likely to eat more junk food and fewer fruits and vegetables that those who spent less time on their phones. Teens who spent more than three hours a day on their phones were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese. Parents, there are many reasons to monitor online time. Because our teens need to learn to steward their God-given bodies, we must intervene to make sure they are exercising and eating wisely.