South Africa’s Screen Time Crisis – Dr. Melane van Zyl Speaks Out
RSG Interview
South Africa is facing a screen time crisis—one with serious mental health consequences for both adults and children.
In a recent interview with RSG, Dr. Melane van Zyl, psychiatrist and member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists, warned that South Africans rank among the top countries globally for daily screen time, averaging almost 10 hours per adult per day.
Children are mirroring this behavior, with adolescents spending more than 5 hours a day on digital devices now being 70% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or actions.
Dr. van Zyl highlighted the alarming rise of “brain rot” caused by mindless scrolling and emotionally charged content, especially on social media platforms.
Other serious concerns include:
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Poor sleep quality
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Decline in academic performance
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Increased anxiety and depression
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Cyberbullying and online manipulation
While legislation may help in the future, Dr. van Zyl stressed that real change starts at home. Parents need to set boundaries, reduce their own screen time, and lead by example to create healthier digital habits for their children.
RSG - Dr Melane van Zyl
In Summary:
South Africa’s growing screen time crisis is no longer just a tech habit—it’s a serious mental health concern for both children and adults. As Dr. Melane van Zyl reminds us, parents need to lead by example, create healthy digital boundaries, and prioritize real-life connection over endless scrolling. The solution starts at home.