South Africans are spending more time on their phones than almost any other nation – but the price is proving devastating.
The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has raised alarm bells, warning that excessive screen use is driving a mounting mental health crisis among children and teenagers.
The Global “Brain-Rot” Phenomenon
So widespread is the concern that brain-rot – describing the endless consumption of low-quality online content – was named Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year. While the term may sound tongue-in-cheek, its effects on young minds are anything but trivial.
Research shows adolescents using digital devices for more than five hours daily are 70% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviours compared to those limiting screen time to under an hour. Even four to six hours a day increases risks of depression and anxiety.
Distraction in the Classroom
The harm isn’t limited to mental health. A 14-country study revealed that mobile phones consistently disrupt learning – even when children aren’t actively using them. The mere buzz of a device nearby can break concentration, with recovery of focus taking up to 20 minutes.
South Africa’s Screen Addiction
Adults are setting a poor example. The average South African spends an astonishing 9 hours and 37 minutes a day on their smartphone, with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok consuming more than 22% of that time.
“If we as adults are addicted, how can they not be?” asks psychiatrist Prof Renata Schoeman, SASOP member. “Children learn by observing. If we don’t model healthy digital behaviour, we are silently endorsing screen addiction.”
The Fallout of Excessive Screen Use
Prof Schoeman highlights a host of risks for children and teens, including:
- Increased risk of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem
- Poor sleep when devices are used before bed
- Lower academic performance due to reduced focus
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Exposure to harmful online content such as cyberbullying, pornography, and toxic diet culture
Physical health is also impacted, with links to obesity, headaches, eye strain, and poor posture.
Balance, Not Bans
Importantly, technology itself isn’t the enemy. “It’s about balance,” stresses Prof Schoeman. “A family movie night is different to hours of unmonitored scrolling. Children need guidance on how to use devices wisely – not outright bans.”
Practical Screen-Time Rules for Parents
Prof Schoeman offers simple strategies to create healthier digital habits at home:
- Age-based limits: No screens under two years; max one hour for ages 2–5; ideally no more than two hours for older kids.
- Encourage offline play: Outdoor activities support mental and physical health.
- Model good habits: Put devices aside during meals and switch off before bedtime.
- Set boundaries: Create device-free zones and routines.
- Night-time rules: Keep devices out of bedrooms to protect children’s sleep.
“Children don’t need perfect parents, they need consistent ones,” she says. “Small actions, like putting your phone away at dinner, send powerful messages.”
A Call for Conscious Digital Parenting
The evidence is clear: South Africa’s love affair with screens is fuelling a youth mental health crisis. But by modelling balance, setting firm boundaries, and encouraging real-world engagement, parents can help children thrive in a digital age without sacrificing their wellbeing.
