A Correlational Study Between Prolonged Screen

Exposure to the Physical and Mental Well-being

of Selected Senior High School at Rechab
Academy Inc.

A research presented to the faculty of Senior High School, Rechab

Academy, Inc. Antipolo City Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In subject of Inquiries, Investigation, and Immersion

Dela Cruz, Andria N.

Estrada, Eunice Anne R.
Lopez, Rhian Margaret C.
Molina, Princess Mae D.
Monserrat, Helenna D.
Mujar, Hyadhenz M.
Pangilinan, Andrea Nicole L.
Poncial, Queen Remedios B.
Reynacido, Lorraine B.
Tolentino, Anjo Raphael

August 2024
 CHAPTER 1
The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

Screen time or screen exposure is time spent watching television, playing a

video game, or using an electronic device with a screen (such as a smartphone

or tablet. Some studies stated that having a lot of screen exposure may affect

our health. That’s why most experts has an advisable screen exposure.

According to JAMA Pediatrics, it is advisable that children ages 18 months old

should be kept away for any screen exposures. While for ages 2-5 years old

should he limiting their screen time by 1 hour every day. Since most kids

nowadays uses mobile phones by watching YouTube videos or educational

videos, the experts wants to warn parents since screen exposure has an effect

to the overall health. As for teenagers, it is studied that teens mostly spend their

time on mobile phones. Which can cause harm if they spend a lot of time than

the advisable screen exposure said by the experts. According to the World

Health Organization (WHO) teens and parents should practice avoiding screen

exposure before bed and before eating. They stated that parents should

practice limiting the screen exposure of their teens. A few years ago, the

average screen time for adults in the United States landed at 11 hours per day.

Since lockdown, this number has gone up to an astonishing 19 hours per day

on screens during the pandemic. This means that adults spend most of their

time on a computer, phone, etc.

Since students spend their time on their mobile phones, it is studied that screen

exposure influences their health. Having a long screen exposure affect the physical

and mental health of students. The physical hazards of excess screen time are
numerous, with the most common being eye strain, neck and shoulder pain, and

back pain. Eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a common

condition caused by prolonged exposure to computer screens, smartphones, and

other digital devices. In particular, excessive screen usage can negatively impact

young people's mental health. Long screen exposure has been linked to higher

rates of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. According to a study,

teenagers who use digital gadgets for more than five hours a day are 70% more

likely than those who use them for less than an hour to consider suicide or act on it.

Furthermore, too much screen exposure can interfere with sleep resulting sleep

deprivation, which has been connected to mood disorders like sadness. But

according to a study, screen exposure has also a positive effect when it come to

the mental well being of students. Having a long screen exposure and being on

social media helps the students to enhance their comprehension and enhance their

social interactions. Also enhance their self-esteem and improve their self-belonging,

and screen exposure helps the student to develop their problem-solving skills.

According to a study, being on social media and having a ton of screen exposure,

this helps the student to focus more.

Based on a study by Rituparma Bask and Debashree Sinha which is conducted

on November 11 year 2022, they stated that the covid 19 pandemic, online games,

and sleep disorders has a lot of impact factor why students spend their time on

their mobile phone and gadgets. They stated that COVID-19 pandemic has a lot of

impact on the screen exposure of students. With the closing of schools and

shifting to digital platforms for classes, it was obvious that the screen time for

students increased for education. This increase also stretched to social interactions

and entertainment, as students turned to digital means to stay in touch with peers
and engage in some recreation activities. Excessive screen time thus raises

concerns about potential harm to physical health by straining the eyes and leading

to a sedentary lifestyle, and it also begets questions in the minds of people

regarding mental health in terms of reduced social activity and dependence on the

screen. Online gaming can drastically add to the amount of time students spend

viewing screens. Most of these games comprise playing continuously for a long

period, thereby adding to the screen time. Its continuous usage will result in

headaches, problems in the eyes, and sleep schedule disturbances.

Background of the Study

Touch screen devices are now ever-present and their usage by students is

increasing. However, the effects of these devices on children, adolescents and

adults are still unknown. Media is a powerful educational tool for children and

adolescents, but they may have a great negative effect on their health. Prolonged

screen-time is a risk for several chronic diseases.

According to Dr. Debashree Sinha. In the present time, youth’s increased use

of cell phones, text messaging, email and chat rooms has opened new venues for

social interaction in which aggression can occur, and youth can be victimized-new

venues that break down the old barriers of family, neighborhood, and community

that may have protected youth to some extent in the past. These global electronic

communication mediums have made it much more difficult to safeguard

youngsters from threats and have exposed many more of them to threats that just

a handful may have encountered previously. Dr. Rituparma Bask says,

Adolescence is a phase of fast psychological maturation as well as sensitivity to

the internet and other forms of digital media. Aggression and hostility are
significantly more common among teens when it comes to the negative effects of

digital addiction and internet use. Excessive Internet/gaming/mobile addiction,

which has been a disturbing trend even before the Covid outbreak, has reached

new heights during the pandemic, according to psychologists and counselors, as

many adolescents or students who went online for classes and social interaction

became compulsive addicts. Digital devices now take up a large portion of our

personal space, and technology has been ingrained in many aspects of our

existence. Almost all forms of consumer-level technology, from necessities like

food to pleasures like home videos, are designed to provide a satisfying

experience.

Another study by Tajane et al., in the year 2021e 21st century has

witnessed a great development in the field of technology. Whether we love it or

loathe it, technology affects everything we do today and influences almost

everything we plan for our tomorrow. It has advanced everywhere making

people access various types of devices. Sleep is fundamental to optimal

functioning including health and behavior. The purpose of the study was to

identify technology use hence exploring the screen time of the individual and its

impact on sleep and the mediating effect of physical exercise. This study shows

that used of screens during the pandemic has increased, this study could

provide the negative impact on sleep and a positive impact on sleep disorders.

Last study entitled “Effect of Online Classes on Physical and Mental Well-Being of

Students During Covid-19” says that physical and mental well-being of the students is

a concern, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic. The longer duration of using

laptops and phones to attend online classes is affecting their mental and physical

health. Maintaining proper posture and understanding the impact of the long duration
exposure to electronic devices is the need of the hour. Although it may not be

possible to avoid the exposure completely in the current times, incorporating simple

exercises and postural advice in the daily routine can prevent from long-term adverse

effects. This study also focuses on the physical and mental well-being of students

during the pandemic or lockdown.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between prolonged

screen exposure to the physical and mental well-being of the students in Rechab

Academy, Inc. The study will specifically seek to address the following sub-problems:

1. What are the demographic profile of the respondents?

A. Grade

B. Section

2. How long do students spend on screens?

3. How does prolonged screen exposure affect the physical and mental well-

being of Grade 11 and 12 students at Rechab Academy, Inc.?

4. Is there significant connection between prolonged screen exposure to

their physical and mental well-being?

5. What tactics may students in Grade 11 and 12 at Rechab Academy, Inc.

will use to balance screen time and encourage better digital habits?

Hypothesis

The hypothesis of study is hereby stated:

�0 : There is no significant effects between Prolonged Screen Exposure to the

Physical and Mental Well-being of Selected Senior High School students at

Rechab Academy, Inc.

 �1 : There is significant effects between Prolonged Screen Exposure to the

Physical and Mental Well-being of Selected Senior High School students at

Rechab Academy, Inc.

Scope and Delimitations

The study “A Correlational Study Between Prolonged Screen Exposure to the

Physical and Mental Well-being of Selected Senior High School students at Rechab

Academy, Inc.” will be focused specifically on the selected senior high school at

Rechab Academy, Inc and will not include other school and grade levels. The

researchers will use Slovin’s formula to get the number of respondents needed.

Therefore, gathering the data will be much easier and more accessible by the

researchers. This study aims to find and provide information about the correlation

between prolonged screen exposure to the physical and mental well-being.

Significance of the Study

The beneficiaries are as follows:

Students. This study will give them knowledge into the relationship between

prolonged screen exposure to their physical and mental well-being. To lead them

into better habits and lifestyle.

Educators. This study will provide information to the educators on how prolonged

exposure on screens can affect the physical and mental well-being of the senior

high school students. This can potentially lead to the development of strategies to

support students in better lifestyle and habits.

Parents. The study will equip parents with evidence-based knowledge of the

correlation between their children’s screen time to the physical and mental well-
 being. This information can guide parents in fostering healthy habits for their

children.

School Administration. This study can aid school administration in making

informed decisions regarding policies and support systems that promotes healthy

habits among Senior High School students.

Future Researchers. This study can serve as a valuable resource for future

researchers who aim to delve deeper into the correlation between prolonged

screen exposure to the physical and mental well-being of senior high school

students. The data and findings can inspire and guide future research endeavors in

this field, potentially leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the topic:

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Prolonged Physical
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Screen and Mental
Exposure Well-being

Input Output
-Prolonged Process
-Comprehen-
screen -Assess sive evaluation
exposure physical well- of student
(hours per being well-being
day) -Physical
-Assess
-Types of health
mental well- outcomes
screen use being
 The conceptual framework that was used in the study is the Input-Process-

Output Model as shown in Figure 1. The input consists of the factors such as

prolonged screen exposure and screen time management habits. The research

process includes where we assess the well-being of students. The three categories of

well-being that we shall examine are mental and physical. Lastly, the output consists

of our study's results. We want to know how students' screen use affects their general

physical and mental health.

Theoretical Framework

Figure 2.
The Hazards of Excessive Screen Time: Impacts on Physical Health, Mental

Health, and Overall Well-being

According to Khumukcham and Sudkhar (2023) excessive screen time is a

growing concern in modern society, with the digital devices contributing to increased

sedentary behavior and potential hazards to physical and mental health. Excessive

screen time has become part of modern life, with individuals of all ages spending

increasing amounts of time in front of digital devices. While there are benefits to
technology use, such as enhanced communication, and access to information, there

are also numerous hazards associated with prolonged screen time.

There is many health risks associated with excessive screen usage, but the

most common ones are back, neck, and shoulder pain, and eye strain. Prolonged

screen exposure to computer, smartphones, and other digital devices can lead to eye

strain. Excessive screen time can have detrimental effects on the well-being of

students, including their physical health, mental well-being, and academic

performance. Due to prolonged screen exposure the negative effect of it such as

sleep deprivation the students will feel sleepy during class and other negative effect

of screen exposure will not only affect their body but also their performance in school.

Excessive screen time can have a significant negative impact on both

physical health and mental health. The prolonged screen time can lead to eye

strain, neck, shoulder and back pain. To mitigate these hazards, it is

recommended to limit screen time, particularly for young people, and to

incorporate physical activity and face-to-face interaction into daily routines.

Definition of Terms

Adolescents. Young people who are no longer children but who have not yet

become adults.

Compulsive. An irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act.

Hostility. Unfriendly or aggressive behavior toward people or ideas.

 Physical Well-being. Ability to maintain a healthy quality of life that allows us

to get the most out of our daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress.

Mental Health. Condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is

characterized by the absence of mental illness

Prolonged Screen Exposure. The extended periods of time we spend

staring at screens.

CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature

Foreign Literature

According to Rituparna Bask and Dr. Debashree Sinha published on year 2022,

highlights that the rise in youth engagement with cell phones and digital

communication has created new avenues for aggression and victimization,

undermining traditional protections from family and community. These global

communication tools expose young people to threats that were less common before.

Dr. Rituparna Bask points out that adolescence involves rapid psychological

development, making teens particularly susceptible to the negative effects of digital

addiction. This trend, which predates the Covid pandemic, has intensified as many

students became compulsive users during online classes. Digital devices now

dominate personal space, with technology deeply integrated into everyday life,

impacting everything from basic needs to entertainment.

Another study by Akulwar-Tajane, I. et al, published in 2020. This explores how

screen time during the COVID-19 lockdown impacted sleep and psychological well-

being in physiotherapy students. It found that excessive screen uses negatively

affected sleep quality, physical health, and mental health. Specifically, 52% of

students reported that their sleep worsened due to excessive screen time, 48% felt

their physical health was harmed, and 28.7% experienced negative effects on their

mental health. However, 65.27% of those who engaged in regular physical exercise

reported improvements in sleep and mental health. The study emphasizes the

harmful effects of prolonged screen use and suggests that physical exercise can help

mitigate these issues.

Local Literature

Television is one of the most common sources of screen media and the majority

of children have excessive screen time use based on WHO guidelines of not

exceeding 1h a day. However, when reviewing the effect on development, receptive

and expressive language were significantly decreased in children spending more than

2 h of screen time. Excessive screen use was seen in children who typically watched

alone and had parents who spent more than 2 h watching television, web browsing or

social media. While not exceeding 2 h of screen time would have minimal negative

effects on 2-year-old development, it may be beneficial to follow the guidelines set by

WHO in limiting screen time to less than 1 h for this age group. It is likewise

emphasized that co-viewing with an adult, sibling or other children is recommended

because children learn through modeling and interactions with others. Parents

perceive various benefits that support children’s learning, and this may contribute to

their decision to allow more screen time. Further investigation is needed on content

and quality of screen media to provide additional information to support parent

education and anticipatory guidance for young children.

According to Dy et al., published in June 2023. The Philippines is among the top

media users worldwide, and online activities have been increasing through the years
recorded in January 2021 with 92% connected with a smartphone, 74% through a

laptop or desktop computer and 38% with a tablet. The prevalence of excess screen

time has ranged from 10 to 98% of children with 0.1 to 5 h of screen exposure per

day with documented increase during the COVID-19 pandemic because children in

the pandemic time had restricted activities for outdoor play. Excessive screen time

use in young children has been associated with risks for developmental delays,

attention problems, and poorer academic performance. It is likewise emphasized that

co-viewing with an adult, sibling or other children is recommended because children

learn through modeling and interactions with others.

Children in this study exposed to excessive screen time were more likely to have

exposure to background screen media. Constant television in the background affects

the quality and quantity of parent–child interactions that was correlated to a reduction

in communication by the parent with the child. Young children’s attention is

consistently shorter while they played with their toys when televisions were playing in

the background. These findings suggest that disruption in both the parent’s and

child’s attention can decrease the learning opportunity of conversation and play. The

study concludes that excessive screen time use in Filipino children is prevalent and

associated with poorer language development. The study recommends limiting

screen time to less than 2 hours per day for children aged 24 to 36 months and

emphasizes the importance of co-viewing with adults or siblings. The study suggests

that further research is needed to investigate the content and quality of screen media,

as well as to develop strategies to support parents in managing their children's screen

time. The findings suggest that parents should be educated about the potential risks

of excessive screen time and encouraged to limit their own screen time use. The

study also emphasizes the importance of providing children with opportunities for

social interaction and play

Synthesis

The literature reviewed showed that which is reliable for the conducted study to

efficiently put data in pieces. As all the data presented with a number of (3) studies

with the relationship between the variables of the study.

To further summarize, based on the studies by (Dy, A. Dy, Santos 2023) children is

the most expose in excessive time screen were more likely to have exposure to

background screen media.

To represent more of the profile of the study from the definitive information

portraying the (Akulwar-Tajane t al., 2020) and (Bask & Sinha, 2017) these study

aims to know how screen time affects the psychological well-being of the students.

The following data shows relation in each Study.

CHAPTER 3

Methodology

Research Method

To better understand the correlation of prolonged screen exposure to the

physical and mental well-being of selected senior high school students at Rechab

Academy, Inc. we will use a correlational research design and a quantitative research

approach that focuses on finding the correlation between the two or more variables.

This approach aims to find out the positive and negative correlation between

prolonged screen exposure to the physical and mental well-being of selected senior

high school students. We the researchers will use correlational approach because it

allows to fully investigate the relationship between the variables, if there is a

significant correlation of prolonged screen exposure to the physical and mental well-

being of selected senior high school students at Rechab Academy, Inc.

 Respondents of the Study

The respondents of this study are the selected senior high school students of

Rechab Academy, Inc. We used the stratified random sampling method to select the

respondents, and the researchers used Slovin’s formula to calculate the number of

respondents. Senior high school students are chosen as the research respondents of

this study because they are our target to know how prolonged screen exposure

affects their physical and mental well-being. A sample size of 256 selected students

was recruited in this study; based on the study, this number of respondents is

sufficient to determine the significant correlation.

Research Instrument

The researchers will use a survey questionnaire as a tool to gather the data from

the respondents. In order to get the information, the researchers will use a 4-point

Likert Scale as a respondents’ response.

Research Locale

The researchers will conduct this study at Rechab Academy Incorporated to

know if the senior high school students are experiencing stress, anxiety, and being

physically tired because of the excessive time spent in using gadgets.

 Data Gathering Procedure

The data gathering procedure is initiated by development of research

objectives that are aimed at presenting the objectives of the research. When these

objectives have been set, the researchers will go ahead to develop the survey

questionnaires. After that, consent or permission as required by ethical or privacy

standards will be sought for your research. After receiving these permissions, the

researchers shall send the survey to selected Senior High School students of Rechab

Academy Inc. After the questionnaires have been distributed the researchers will

gather the filled questionnaires. Last, the obtained data will be processed by the chi-

square method to determine the impact of increased screen time on general health

outcomes in students.

Scale Range Interval

3.25- 4.00 Always

2.50- 3.25 Often

1.75- 2.50 Rarely

1.00-1.75 Never
 Statistical Treatment

This correlational study investigates the relationship between prolonged screen

exposure and physical/mental well-being among the students of Rechab Academy

Incorporated. To determine the relationship of prolonged screen exposure to the

physical and mental well-being the researchers will use these statistical treatments.

1. Simple Percentage

To calculate the percentage, divide a figure by the total and multiply by 100.

The formula for percentage is (Value/Total) x 100. This simple math lets us

express proportions, increases, declines, and rates.

FORMULA:

2. Weighted Mean

The average value of the data is determined using the weighted mean. By

applying different weights to some of the different factors, the weighted mean

method can determine the average value.

FORMULA:
3. Interval

Interval is used to rate the degree to which they agree or disagree with a

statement.

FORMULA

(�������� �����−�������� �����)

Interval level = (������ �� ������)

4. Pearson r

The strength of a linear link between two variables can be determined by the

Pearson correlation. A total negative linear correlation is represented by a

value of -1, no correlation is represented by a value of 0, and a total positive

correlation is represented by a value of +1

FORMULA:
 CHAPTER 4

Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation

The results presented in this chapter are consistent, researchers made

used of the data and analysis. Researchers rely on the insights provided by the

respondents and they were able to determine the correlation between prolonged

screen exposure to the physical and mental well-being of the senior high school

students at Rechab Academy Inc.

Demographic Profile of the Students in terms of Grade Level

Table 1.

Grade Frequency Percentage

11 156 60.94%

12 100 39.06%

Total 256 100%

Based on the table, most of the respondents are grade 11 students with the

total of 156 grade 11 students and has the percentage of 60.94 percent.

Meanwhile, the grade 12 students has the frequency of 100 students and has

39.06 percent, with the total of 256 students and with the percentage of 100

percent.

Demographic Profile of Respondents in terms of Strand

Table 2.
Strand Frequency Percentage

ABM 18 7.03%

GAS 56 21.88%

HUMSS 124 48.43%

STEM 58 22.66%

Total 256 100%

The table shows that the HUMSS strand has the highest number of respondents

with the frequency of 124 which is 48.43% OF 256. On the other hand, the ABM

strand has the lowest number of respondents with the total number of 18 students

which is 7.03% of 256,

Screen Time in relation to Physical and Mental Well-being

Assessment on Screen Time

Table 3

A. Screen Time Mean Verbal

Interpretation

1. Do you play online games for 2-3 hours a 2.4 Rarely

day.

2. Do you always use Messenger for 4-5 3.0 Often

hours a day to send messages.

3. Do you spend an excessive amount of 2.8 Often

time on screen for academic goals.
4. Do you spend 3-4 hours a day in watching 2.9 Often
entertainment videos on Tiktok.

5. Do you spend more than 10 hours a day 2.7 Often

using gadget/s that I have.

Total 2.7 Often

The table shows the data of screen time, it shows the verbal interpretation of this

category which is ‘’Often’’. The highest computed mean is S2 which is 3.0 and with

verbal interpretation of ‘’Often’’.

 Assessment for Physical well-being

Table 4.

B . Physical Mean Verbal

Interpretation

1. Did you experienced eye strain every time I 2.4 Rarely

use gadgets

2. Did you experienced neck pain while using 2.7 Often

gadgets

3. Did you experienced headache every time I 2.4 Rarely

spend a lot of time using gadgets.

4. Did you experienced backpain after I used 2.65 Often

gadgets in a long period of time.

5.. Are you experiencing sleep disturbances 2.8 Often

because of spending too much time on
gadgets.

Total 2.5 Rarely

This table shows the influence of prolonged screen exposure on physical

well-being of the students. The total computed mean is 2.5 with verbal interpretation

of ‘’Rarely’’. The highest computed mean is S5 which is 2.8 and its verbal

interpretation is ‘’Often’’.
 Assessment on Mental well-being

Table 5.
C. Mental Mean Verbal
Interpretation
1. Did you make way to reduce using gadget/s 2.6 Often
a day to improve my mental well-being.
2. Does using gadgets all day lead you to 2.5 Rarely
feeling excessively tired?
3. Do you feel anxious after I’m exposed on 2.3 Rarely
screen for a long period of time.
4. Do you feel more stressed when I spend 2.4 Rarely
most of my time on screen.
5. Are you having a hard time falling asleep or 2.4 Rarely
going to sleep?
Total 2.4 Rarely

The table illustrates student’s mental well-being, the data shows the total

computed mean is 2.4 and its verbal interpretation ‘’Rarely’’. The highest computed

mean is S1 which is 2.6 and its verbal interpretation ‘’Often’’. It means that students

are often making a way to reduce using gadget/s.

 CHAPTER V

Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations

This chapter shows the overview of the entire study. It provides analysis on

the correlation between prolonged screen exposure to the physical and mental

well-being of senior high school students at Rechab Academy Inc. The

information that would be shown in this chapter is based on the interpretation of

the researchers.

Summary of Findings

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents?

1.1 Grade Level- In accordance with the data in table 1, respondents with a

frequency of 156 are most likely from grade 11. And the respondents with a frequency

of 100 are from grade 12 students. With a total of 256 with a percentage of 100.

1.2 Strand- A total of 7.03% of the respondents are from the strand ABM

which is total of 18. Next is 21.88% of respondents are from GAS and a total of 56.

Next is the number of respondents with the highest number of percentages which

is 48.43% with a total of 124. Lastly is from strand STEM with a total of 28 and a

percentage of 22.66%. With an overall of 256 respondents and a total percentage

of 100%.
2. How often do students use screens?

As the data mean results to “Often”, the selected senior high school students at

Rechab Academy Inc. are often using gadgets every day. Based on our survey-

questionnaire, some of the most used applications were mentioned, upon utilizing the

data, using Messenger for 4-5 hours a day to send messages have the highest mean.

Meaning that most of the respondents is using gadgets excessively.

3. How does prolonged screen exposure affect the physical and mental

well-being of Grade 11 and 12 students at Rechab Academy Inc.?

Table number 4 and 5 resulted in "Rarely”. In table number 4 the question number 5

"Are you experiencing sleep disturbances because of spending too much time on

gadgets." has a highest mean of 2.8 and verbal interpretation of Often. This indicates

that the question most of the students are experiencing is sleep disturbances

because of spending too much time on gadgets. While on the table 5, questions

number 3 "Does using gadgets all day lead you to feeling excessively tired?" has a

Weighted mean of 2.5 and a verbal interpretation of Rarely, which means that some

of students feel excessively tired when they're using gadgets all day.

4. Is there significant connection between prolonged screen exposure to

their physical and mental well-being?

The outcome evidently shows that Pearson Correlation formula's outcome, with an R-

value of 1.000, the relationship between a prolonged screen exposure to the physical

and mental well-being is significantly strong.

5. What tactics may students in Grade 11 and 12 at Rechab Academy, Inc.

will use to balance screen time and encourage better digital habits?
 In the table 4, the total computed mean is 2.7, interpreted as "Often." This means

that the learners don't usually spend an amount of time on screen. Due to the results,

most of the verbal interpretation got an "Often" and a "Rarely." For table 2, show that

the total computed mean is 2.5 and with a verbal interpretation of a "Rarely." In this

table show that the learners rarely affect their mental while using digital device. Also,

Table 5, according to the data that has a total computed mean of 2.4 and has a total

verbal interpretation "Rarely". The data suggests that while learners rarely have

significant mental problems as a result of using gadgets, sleep disturbances, and

proactive measures to reduce on-screen time are significant expectations.

Conclusion

The average screen time among students was rated as “Often,” with a mean

score of 3.0 on the study’s scale. This finding suggests that students spend a

substantial amount of their daily time on devices such as smartphones, computers, or

tablets. Prolonged screen exposure, particularly at the “Often” level, is associated

with risks such as reduced physical activity, poor posture, disrupted sleep patterns,

and increased stress levels. These effects can accumulate over time, contributing to

long-term health challenges.

On the other hand, the overall mental well-being of the respondents was rated as

“Rarely,” with a mean score of 2.4. This low rating indicates that most students

experience mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, or low emotional resilience,

on a recurring basis. The study’s findings strongly suggest a concerning association

between high screen time and lower mental health outcomes. This aligns with

broader research, which has consistently shown that excessive screen use correlates

with heightened risks of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among adolescents.
 This study adds important new information to the continuing conversation about

the role of technology in the lives of young people by highlighting the link between

excessive screen time and negative mental health consequences. It emphasizes how

crucial it is to create settings that promote mental health awareness as well as digital

literacy so that teenagers can prosper in a tech-driven society without endangering

their mental and physical well-being.

Recommendation

Based on the foregoing findings and conclusions, these following

recommendations will advance:

Students- The outcome of this study will prove students to minimize their

screen usage. Instead, students should seek opportunities to engage in face-to-

face socializing and rely on each other. Students should practice mindfulness

techniques, like meditation or breathing exercises, to manage stress and

reduce the anxiety that can result from excessive screen use. Recognizing the

importance of mental health is essential in creating a balanced lifestyle.

Teachers- The conclusion drawn from this study will prove valuable for the

teachers, to create a balanced digital learning environment. Teachers should

ensure that students have regular breaks and time away from screens. They

should also encourage collaborative, non-screen-based activities whenever

possible. Teachers should integrate active learning strategies, like group

discussions or physical activities, to minimize screen time in class and

encourage movement, which helps reduce physical strain and improve student

engagement.

Parents - Excessive screen time often leads to reduced physical activity.

Encourage children to engage in active play, outdoor activities to promote

physical and cognitive development.

School - Combine technology thoughtfully into the curriculum, prioritizing

active learning and hands-on activities. Minimize screen time by using different

teach methods.

Action Planning