Sleep deprived but socially connected: balancing the risks and benefits of adolescent screen time during COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the daily lives of families across the globe, forcing many to remain physically distanced and quarantine together at home as government-ordered shutdowns shuttered schools, gyms, restaurants, and workplaces. The effects of these guidelines may be particularly impactful for adolescents, as they navigate developmental changes in peer relationships in an unprecedented and more isolated way. Though adolescents are optimally positioned to utilize technology skills and platforms for social connectivity, this massive shift to online engagement may have detrimental implications for sleep and well-being. Before the pandemic, over two-thirds of U.S. teens were chronically sleep deprived (Centers for Disease Control, 2017), which may be exacerbated by pandemic-related increases in screen time. As distancing continues, researchers should reconsider the benefits and risks of adolescent screen use, including the role of caregiver monitoring.