AS Malaysian students spend increasing hours on digital devices, experts emphasise that the impact of screen use depends less on the total hours logged and more on the purpose and timing of that engagement.
Senior lecturer Dr Nor Nazrina Mohamad Nazry told Berita RTM that effective management of screen time can enhance learning and well-being, while poorly timed use can disrupt sleep and focus.
The University of Malaya Faculty of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology Senior Lecturer noted that while it is easy to blame gadgets for poor sleep or low concentration, research indicates that the real question lies in what individuals do with their devices and when.
Studies among Malaysian youth reveal concerning patterns, including passive video consumption, late-night social media scrolling, and prolonged gaming, each of which has distinct effects on mental and physical well-being.
“Not all screen time is equal,” she explained. “Reading together, collaborative learning, or engaging with educational videos have different benefits and risks compared to passive scrolling.”
Research shows that device use immediately before bedtime can disturb sleep in two ways: emotionally charged content, including social media posts and competitive gaming, can overstimulate the mind, while the bright light from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Interventions such as introducing a screen-free hour before bed have been shown to improve sleep quality.
Global health authorities, including the World Health Organization, recommend limiting inactive screen time for children and adolescents but emphasise quality of use over arbitrary hour limits.
Evidence suggests that the effects of screen time vary by age, activity type, and social context, with some adolescents who use social media heavily yet maintain strong in-person relationships showing no depressive symptoms.
Dr Nor Nazrina advises students and educators to categorise screen use into academic activities, creative production, social interaction, and recreational consumption.
She added prioritising evenings for low-stimulation activities, such as reading or meaningful conversations, and incorporating short periods of active rest following extended study sessions.
“Screen devices are tools, not arbiters of our well-being,” she concluded. “Used at the right time for the right purpose, they support learning and productivity. Used at the wrong time, they can steal sleep and erode focus. The key is aligning screen time with healthy routines, balanced social engagement, and proper sleep.” - November 19, 2025
The observations reflect Dr Nor Nazrina’s personal insights and do not necessarily represent the official stance of The Vibes.com.
