As the digital landscape continues to reshape the foundational experiences of current and future generations, a critical concern shows up about the role of technology in modern childhood.  The increased presence of technology in our lives has undoubtedly changed the way children engage with the world, offering new places in order to learn and to communicate. Yet, alongside these advantages, a significant concern pops up over the correlation between the high usage of technology and childhood obesity. Although technology has significantly shaped the modern childhood experience in the United States, its role in promoting a more sedentary lifestyle has noticeably contributed to the rising rates of childhood obesity in our country. 

The connection between extensive screen time and increasing rates of childhood obesity is evident in our everyday lives. A Harvard study corroborates this by revealing that children who use digital devices for five hours daily are 43% more likely to be overweight, which can develop to life-long obesity. This significant rise in obesity risk is accompanied by unhealthy lifestyles related to the extended screen time, such as the consumption of unhealthy food and drinks, decreased physical activity, and even social withdrawals. Furthermore, a lifestyle fostered by prolonged periods of screen time contributes to other metabolic syndromes such as elevated cholesterol levels or insulin resistance, which can continue into adulthood, further impacting their long-term health. A systematic review by the British Medical Journal Open, a peer reviewed access medical journal, found consistent evidence that links increased screen time with greater body fat percentage and unhealthy body composition, including a higher Body Mass Index (BMI). It has become clear that children with higher levels of screen time tended to exhibit worse metabolic health conditions, such as higher cholesterol levels and insulin resistance. This clear correlation between screen time and unhealthy results emphasizes the importance of addressing screen time in public health strategies. 

One significant reason that technology contributes to the crisis of childhood obesity is its impact on eating behavior during screen time. Studies published by the American Academy of Pediatrics highlight that children are more likely to consume more calorie-dense snacks and sugary or caffeine dense beverages while engaging with digital devices. Screen media exposure is correlated with higher calorie intake from unhealthy snacks due to the dual effect of distraction and the influence that food advertising has on children. Many creators, like Mukbang creators (individuals who broadcast themselves eating large quantities of food while interacting with their audience), fast food reviewers, and food critics heavily influence eating behaviors and dietary choices among their audiences. While it is true that media exposure and food advertising do target both adults and children, children are more susceptible to indulgence because they have not developed most thinking skills to understand the persuasive intentions of food advertisement. Research from the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, reveals that children are exposed to thousands of food advertisements annually, while influencing their dietary choices, along with increasing their intake of unhealthy food. On the other hand, most adults build maturity and self control in order to moderate their behavior to more food advertisement exposure. Furthermore, during intense gaming or binging sessions, many children are likely to reach for those chips or sugary drinks, often in response to ads designed to appeal to them. According to the CDC, over one third of U.S. children and adolescents consume fast food daily. This increased consumption of high calorie foods and drinks not only increases the risk of childhood obesity but also institute terrible eating habits, creating more health issues. 

To counteract the rise of childhood obesity linked with excessive screen time, we need to start enforcing a strict screen time limit through school and community programs. According to the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, children who are exposed to such screen limits and community support show increased physical activity, which has led to decreased childhood obesity rates in the United States. Additionally, a study conducted by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) revealed that school based intervention programs that promote physical activity and healthy eating habits have significantly improved children’s fitness and reduced obesity rates​. This calls for more integrated educational programs and initiatives such as those which promote balanced lifestyles, physical activity and better life choices, will equip both children and their families with the tools to navigate the challenges of a technology driven lifestyle. Lastly, an initiative to combat this problem could be more stringent regulations on food advertising targeted at children across platforms. Promoting family meals, which don’t include the involvement of any screens or television, could encourage more mindful eating and healthier food choices. A Public Library of Science (PLOS) research article states children are more likely to consume nutritious foods and have healthier eating habits when engaging in regular screen-free family meals .

As the digital age reshapes childhood experiences, it is clear that there is a profound impact of technology on increasing childhood obesity rates in the United States. To combat these growing rates, we should reboot our approach, update our habits, and equip some healthier lifestyles. After all, ensuring our future generation have fewer bytes of screen time and more bites of healthy lifestyles might just prevent them from buffering later on in life!