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There are many causes of health issues among teenagers, but it seems that constantly using devices with small screens like mobile phones and tablets could be a culprit. 

Researchers analyzed data collected via survey in 2013 and 2015 on 24,800 adolescents in grades nine to 12, to find out what kind of medium affects their health. They were also asked about the amount of sugary drinks they consumed, how much sleep they got in the past week, and their height and weight. The respondents were also of different race and gender, Fox News reported. 

One in five of the teens spent at least 5 hours with their small screens and they had twice the risk of developing poor health habits. Those who watched television, 8 teens out of 100, were thrice as likely to consume sugary drinks than those who didn't have TV time. 

The study also showed that 14 percent of the group were obese, according to Medscape. 

Dr. David Hill, a researcher at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and chair of the American Academy of the Pediatrics Council on Communications and Media, said that other than screen time, lack of sleep is in connection with obesity. As screen time increases, quality time of sleep decreases.

Parents should proactively check on their teenagers and lessen screen time engagement. Playing and doing activities outdoors should be encouraged, instead of staying inside and going on social media the whole day.