Screen Hours, Sleep Loss and Teen Mood in Dharan

Teenagers in Dharan are spending almost five hours a day staring at screens—well above the two‑hour limit recommended by health experts.
This excessive digital engagement is linked to insufficient sleep and poorer mental well‑being.

Key Findings

• Sample: 259 secondary‑school pupils (both government and private schools).
• Average Sleep: Just over six hours per night.
• Sleep Quality: 40 % reported poor sleep quality.
• Mental Health: Nearly half displayed signs of poor mental health.

School Type Matters

How Screen Time Affects Sleep

• Entertainment Devices
  Longer hours → poorer sleep.
• Total Daily Use
  More usage → less sleep.
• Longest Single Session
  Longer sessions → poorer sleep quality.

How Screen Time Affects Mental Health

• Entertainment Use
  Higher usage → worse mental health scores.
• Overall Screen Time
  More time overall → poorer mental well‑being.

Takeaway

Teenagers in Dharan are spending far too much time on screens, which correlates with reduced sleep and deteriorating mental health. The study underscores the need for a better balance between digital activity and rest.