Health and education webinar warns of screen-time risks for Jamaican children

Jamaican psychiatrists, psychologists and education specialists are urging parents and schools to take harmful screen exposure more seriously, warning during a Child Month webinar that excessive device use is affecting children’s mental health, learning, sleep and behaviour.

The session, staged in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the South East Regional Health Authority and the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, focused on the theme of children’s mental health and safer futures. Moderator Simone Smith Parkin said the topic was selected based on concerns seen in child guidance clinics and schools.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Winston De La Haye presented findings from a study at a Jamaican high school after the COVID-19 pandemic. He reported high levels of depressive symptoms among students, a 31 per cent prevalence of gaming disorder, and a link between more severe depression and gaming. He said the data supported more screening in schools and stronger child-friendly mental health services.

Dr Michelle Henry, a psychiatrist working with child guidance clinics in St Catherine, said prolonged screen time can contribute to delayed language development, reduced academic performance, sleep problems, irritability, impulsive behaviour, anxiety, depression, body-image issues and inappropriate sexual exposure. She reminded parents that children under two should not be exposed to screens, while older children need clear time limits and monitored content.

Clinical psychologist Georgia Rose said problematic internet, gaming and gambling behaviour should be assessed by how much it disrupts daily life, relationships and wellbeing. She recommended counselling, family involvement, behavioural strategies, motivational interviewing and healthier recreational alternatives.

Education officer and parent trainer Christine Russell Lue urged schools to reduce overdependence on online assignments and return to more hands-on learning, group work, outdoor play and family activities. She also encouraged parents to set household rules, remove devices from mealtimes, model responsible use and rebuild face-to-face connection at home.