Colorado Springs nurse explains harmful effects of increased screen time among kids

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The amount of screen time among kids has risen 50% since the start of the pandemic.

Keith Poston is a nurse practitioner at Kids are Great Pediatrics, and says most of his patients have gained weight and their blood pressure has gone up during the pandemic.

Poston sites a sedentary lifestyle that comes with sitting in front of the TV or computer as the reason for the weight gain and high blood pressure.

"I probably only had a handful of kids that did not increase in blood pressure and weight gain," Poston said.

He also hears complaints of a lot more headaches and reports of sleep problems.

The most concerning part, though, is the behavioral impacts of too much screen time.

"The sleep issues and behavior issues kind of run hand in hand with depression eventually," Poston said.

He says he's seen a rise in anxiety and mental health and issues that have more long-term effects.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for kids under the age of two. For children two to five, you should limit screen time to one hour a day. After the age of five, screen time can vary.

Poston suggests heading outdoors as a family to avoid screen time. He also suggests opting for a physical book versus a kindle or tablet when it comes to reading.