Online short-form video has shifted from a light distraction to a constant presence in many children’s lives. What used to fill a spare moment now shapes how young people relax, communicate and form opinions, with TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts drawing in hundreds of millions of under-18s through endlessly personalized feeds.
Sleep is one of the clearest areas where short-form video takes a toll. Many children today view screens when they should be winding down. The bright light delays the release of a sleep-regulating hormone, making it harder for them to drift off. But the intense stimulation of rapid content makes it particularly difficult for the brain to settle. A recent study found that for some teenagers, excessive short-form video use is linked to poorer sleep and higher social anxiety. These sleep disturbances affect mood, resilience and memory, and can create a cycle that is especially hard for stressed or socially pressured children to break.
Most research focuses on teenagers, but younger children have less mature self-regulation and a more fragile sense of identity, making them more vulnerable to the emotional pull of fast-paced content. Exposure to material children never intended to see adds risk, and the design of short-form video apps can make this far more likely. Because clips appear instantly and play one after another automatically, children can be shown violent footage or harmful challenges before they have time to process what they are seeing or look away. Unlike longer videos or traditional social media posts, short-form content lacks context, warning, and any opportunity to prepare emotionally.
There are encouraging signs of change as governments and schools begin to address digital health more actively. Some schools are restricting smartphone use during the school day, and organisations are urging platforms to introduce safer default (默认) settings, better age checks and greater transparency about how the apps work. At home, open conversation can help children understand their habits and build healthier ones. Establishing simple family routines can protect sleep and reduce late-night scrolling, while encouraging offline activities helps maintain a healthy balance.
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1.1.According to Paragraph 1, how do short-form video platforms attract young users?
A Through celebrity collaborations.
B With offline event promotions.
C Via extensive advertising.
D By tailoring content individually.
解析：选D。D细节理解题。第一段末尾指出，这些平台通过“endlessly personalized feeds”（无限个性化的信息流）吸引用户。D选项“通过个性化定制内容”是对该表述的同义转换。其他选项在文中均未提及。故选D。
2.2.The underlined phrase “takes a toll” most likely mean ________.
A has a positive effect
B causes a negative impact
C requires little effort
D marks a significant change
解析：选B。B词义猜测题。第二段主要阐述短视频对睡眠的负面影响，并提及“poorer sleep”、“higher social anxiety”等后果。因此，“takes a toll”在此语境下意为“造成损害或负面影响”。故选B。
3.3.What is a key danger of the apps’ design for younger children?
A They may watch over-complicated stories.
B They might see unsafe or unsuitable content.
C They could view videos for too many hours.
D They may fail to find entertaining videos.
解析：选B。B推理判断题。第三段指出，由于内容自动连续播放且缺乏上下文，儿童可能意外看到“violent footage or harmful challenges”（暴力画面或有害挑战）。B选项“接触到危险或不恰当的材料”是对此的合理概括与转述。其他选项均非本段强调的核心风险。故选B。
4.4.What is the primary solution suggested in the last paragraph?
A Government legislation alone.
B Combined efforts and healthier routines.
C Technological upgrades to platforms.
D Unlimited screen time for relaxation.
解析：选B。B主旨大意题。最后一段提出的解决方案是多方面的，包括学校措施、平台改进、家庭对话、建立作息规律和鼓励线下活动。B选项“多方共同努力及建立更健康的日常习惯”全面概括了该建议。故选B。
