– What are some practical tips for parents and educators to support adolescents in managing their screen time and mental health?
Unlocking the Link: How Excessive Short-form Video Viewing impacts School Refusal in Adolescents through Inattention, Bullying, and Anxiety
In today’s digital age, short-form video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat have skyrocketed in popularity among adolescents. While these platforms offer entertainment, creativity, and social interaction, excessive use of short-form videos can have negative impacts on adolescents, particularly when it comes to school refusal.
The Impact of Excessive Short-form Video Viewing
Research has shown that spending too much time on short-form video platforms can lead to inattention, loss of focus, and decreased academic performance. Adolescents who are constantly glued to their screens watching short videos may struggle to concentrate in school, complete assignments, and engage in learning activities. This can ultimately lead to feelings of frustration and disinterest, prompting some students to avoid school altogether.
Moreover, the culture of comparison and perfectionism perpetuated on these platforms can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem in adolescents. Constantly seeing glamorous lifestyles, perfect bodies, and unattainable standards on short-form videos can lead to an increase in anxiety and depression among young viewers. As a result, some adolescents may use school refusal as a coping mechanism to avoid situations that trigger their feelings of inadequacy.
The Role of Bullying in School Refusal
Another aspect that can contribute to school refusal in adolescents who consume excessive short-form videos is cyberbullying. Social media platforms are breeding grounds for cyberbullying, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable to online harassment, trolling, and negative comments. Being exposed to cyberbullying can result in feelings of fear, shame, and embarrassment, which may lead some students to refuse to attend school out of fear of facing their bullies.
Additionally, the fear of missing out (FOMO) culture perpetuated on short-form video platforms can create a sense of anxiety and social pressure in adolescents. The constant need to stay updated, connected, and relevant on these platforms can be overwhelming for some teenagers, leading them to prioritize their online presence over their academic responsibilities.
Practical Tips for Parents and Educators
- Set limits on screen time and encourage adolescents to take breaks from short-form video viewing.
- Engage in open and honest conversations about the effects of excessive screen time on mental health and academic performance.
- Encourage adolescents to participate in offline activities, such as sports, hobbies, and socializing with friends.
- Monitor adolescents’ online activity and intervene if you notice signs of cyberbullying or mental health issues.
- Seek professional help if school refusal persists despite efforts to address the underlying issues.
Case Studies
Emily, a 14-year-old girl, was diagnosed with school refusal after her grades started to drop, and she became increasingly withdrawn. It was discovered that Emily was spending hours on TikTok, comparing herself to influencers and feeling inadequate. With the help of therapy and support from her parents and school, Emily was able to overcome her struggles and successfully return to school.
Josh, a 16-year-old boy, experienced cyberbullying on Instagram, which triggered anxiety attacks and panic episodes. Despite his parents’ efforts to address the bullying, Josh continued to refuse to attend school out of fear of facing his bullies. With the help of counseling and a supportive school environment, Josh was able to build confidence and eventually return to school.
excessive short-form video viewing can have detrimental effects on adolescents’ mental health, academic performance, and school attendance. It is crucial for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to work together to address the underlying issues and support adolescents in navigating the pressures of social media.
Study on Adolescent School Refusal Behavior
Recent years have witnessed a concerning rise in school refusal behavior among adolescents. Factors such as excessive short-form video viewing, bullying, and school anxiety have been identified as potential contributors to this issue. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on how these factors interplay to influence school refusal behavior. To address this gap, a study was conducted using advanced statistical techniques such as random forest regression, path analysis, and network analysis.
Research Methodology
This cross-sectional study involved 2056 middle and senior high school students (996 male, 1060 female, mean age: 14.79 ± 1.24 years). Participants were surveyed using various questionnaires, including the School Refusal Behavior Assessment questionnaire, the Excessive Short-Form Video Viewing Scale, the SNAP-IV Rating Scale for inattention symptoms, and self-administered questionnaires on experiences of being bullied and school anxiety.
The findings revealed that the prevalence of school refusal behavior among the surveyed adolescents was 31.9% (95% confidence interval: 29.8%-33.9%). The study identified key variables and pathways linking excessive short-form video viewing, inattention symptoms, bullying, and school anxiety to school refusal behavior.
Key Findings
It was observed that the severity of inattention symptoms, experiences of being bullied, and school anxiety are significant factors contributing to school refusal behavior. The study highlighted the complex interplay between these variables and emphasized the need for a holistic approach to addressing adolescent school refusal behavior.
Conclusion
This study sheds light on the multifaceted nature of adolescent school refusal behavior and underscores the importance of addressing underlying factors such as excessive short-form video viewing, inattention symptoms, bullying, and school anxiety. By gaining a deeper understanding of these factors, educators and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions to support students experiencing school refusal behavior.
Keywords: Excessive short-Form video viewing, School refusal behavior, Inattention symptoms, being bullied, school anxiety
Correspondence: If you have any inquiries regarding this study, please contact the authors at The First hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of their affiliated institutions or the publisher. Any products mentioned in this study are not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.