Study links excessive texting to teens’ unhealthy lifestyles

Study links excessive texting to teens’ unhealthy lifestyles

High school students who text heavily and spend hours on social networking  sites are more likely to develop unhealthy lifestyles and risky behaviors, a study by Case Western Reserve University said in a conference last week.

Texting was associated by researchers to unprotected sex, smoking, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, depression and other psychiatric problems. Teens who were much busier texting and updating their social web pages missed more classes than their peers who did the activities in moderation.

The study was presented in Denver during a meeting held by the American Public Health Association. About 4,000 students from 20 Ohio schools were asked about their texting and online habits. One in five students sent a minimum of 120 text messages per day while one in ten spent at least three hours on social networking sites. Four percent of those polled said they did both activities, and the study showed that this group had twice the risk for smoking, drinking, fighting, suicidal thoughts and becoming victims of bullying. Their academic performance also suffered, with many sleeping during classes if not skipping them altogether.

The study authors acknowledged that there are a lot of factors involved in teen behavior, and that texting and social networking sites are not to be blamed solely for these problems. Yet, lead researcher Dr. Scott Frank said these activities can make it easier for teens to engage in dangerous behaviour. Teenagers want to fit in with a group and oftentimes the teenager needs to engage in smoking, sex, or drinking because these behaviors are what the group considers popular.

Posted by George Daniels on Wednesday November 17 2010, 4:59 AM EST. Ref: N.Y.Times. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0