Child behavioural expert Dr. Jennifer Cross explains why screen time should be limited for kids, and why some screens are better than others.

What is all this screen time doing to kids’ brains?

Early data from a landmark National Institutes of Health (NIH) study that began in 2018, indicates that children who spend more than two hours a day on screen-time activities scored lower on language and thinking tests. Furthermore, some children who spent more than seven hours a day in front of screens experienced thinning of the brain’s cortex, the area of the brain related to critical thinking and reasoning.

Health Matters spoke with Dr. Cross, who is also an assistant professor of clinical paediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, about the impact of screen time on children's developing brains, and what parents and caregivers can do to protect them.

How do screens affect early childhood development?

Young children learn by exploring their environment and imitating the actions of adults. However, excessive screen time could not only inhibit a child’s ability to observe and experience new things in the world, but may also affect how they interact with others by narrowing their focus of interest.

How does screen time impact a child’s ability to learn?

Children learn language best when engaging and interacting with adults who are talking and playing with them — rather than “passive” listening or one-way interaction with a screen. Studies have shown that children who watch a lot of TV during the early elementary school years perform less well on reading tests, and may show deficits in attention.

What age is appropriate to introduce screens?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screens for children younger than 18 to 24 months, except when video chatting with family. The AAP also recommends limiting screen use for preschool children, ages 2 to 5, to just one hour a day of high-quality programming (for example, Sesame Street or PBS Kids).

How might screens impact a child’s sleep?

The blue light from screens inhibits melatonin — the sleep hormone — which can delay sleep. And watching TV or playing games keeps our brains and bodies more alert and active, and less ready for sleep. Evening screen exposure can cause shorter night-time sleep.

How addictive are digital screens for young kids?

As adults, we can make conscious decisions to prevent being drawn into mobile device use, however young children don’t have an understanding of these concerns or the conscious ability to ween themselves from screen time. This is why caretakers should avoid relying on using screens to distract a child from a problem.

Are some screens worse than others?

Lately, portable electronic devices have a worse reputation than TV, since children can use them anytime, anywhere.

How can caretakers limit screen time for children?

  1. Co-watch whenever possible to actively help children understand what they’re seeing.
  2. Choose media wisely.
  3. Keep bedtime, mealtime, and family time screen-free.
  4. Limit your own phone use.
  5. Emphasize sleep, healthy nutrition and exercise. All three are essential to optimal brain growth and development, and health and wellness for children and adults alike.
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