A June study by researchers from the University of Sydney highlighted concerning trends of increased screen time, alcohol use, and poor sleep for teenagers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase has implications for teens’ long-term health, said researchers.
“We know these lifestyle risk behaviors are common among young people, but we also know they are key predictors of chronic diseases later in life, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental disorders,” said lead author Dr. Lauren Gardner, Research Fellow at the University’s Matilda Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use.
The authors of the study expressed special concern at an observed increase in alcohol consumption, recreational screen time, and insufficient sleep, particularly in girls….