2024-01-10 10:02:44
by Chiara Bidoli
According to a study published in Jama Pediatrics, children exposed to television or watching videos on a daily basis are more likely to have delays in psychophysical development. The comment of the pediatrician Alberto Villani
According to data collected and processed by researchers at the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, and published in Jama Pediatrics, children under two years of age exposed frequently and for a long time in front of TV or videos have a greater probability of developing behavioral atypical sensory experiences such as being disinterested in activities, seeking stronger stimuli, being overwhelmed by sensations such as intense sounds or lights, and being slower to respond to stimuli (for example, responding late when called). According to the study, in fact, in young children prolonged exposure to videos would have effects on the development of their sensory processing ability, i.e. on their way of reacting to what they hear, see, touch and taste.
The comment by Alberto Villani, pediatrician
We live in a particularly complex and therefore difficult time. The study by Drexel University in Philadelphia (USA) is a further, new, important contribution that reaffirms the urgent need to reaffirm the fundamental importance of the early stages of life, in particular the first 1,000 days, in which the acquisition of motor skills, language and, in a broader sense, neurodevelopment, require attention and dedication – comments Alberto Villani, director of general pediatrics and emergency care at the Bambino Ges Hospital in Rome -. From the first weeks of life, during the first years in particular, every child must be helped to develop all his potential, from motor, intellectual, emotional, to linguistic ones, through specific stimuli made of contact and interaction with with their reference adults, as well as with their peers. Language, in particular, is made up of specific abilities that are completed and strengthened with the commitment of all the senses, of tones, of facial expressions, of what is defined as “non-verbal language”, equally important in communicative terms, which belongs to the human being and which cannot be replaced in its fullness by any instrument, not even the most sophisticated.
A story told by a parent, with or without the help of a book, enhances linguistic and perceptive faculties much more than the best film. Going to a park, running, jumping, going on a swing, sets in motion everything needed to stimulate, mature and optimize motor coordination. We must all understand and value the specific attention in promoting free movement and language, “doing together” with our little ones and not “delegating” to tools that do not allow the harmonious development of all linguistic and motor potential, but “select” just some attitudes, not necessarily the best and certainly not in a harmonious way.
I study
The team of researchers collected information on the television or video viewing habits of 1,471 children who were 12, 18 or 24 months old, divided equally between boys and girls. The sample was then re-evaluated at 33 months to verify what the responses were to sensory stimuli. The results showed that increasing exposure to the screen was associated with a greater probability of demonstrating atypical sensory behaviors, such as greater irritability and expressions of discomfort when faced with the stimuli received. In detail:
– At 12 months, any screen exposure was associated with a 105% greater chance of developing atypical responses to the sensory stimuli received
– At 18 months, each additional hour of daily screen time was associated with a 23% increase in odds
– At 24 months, each additional hour of daily screen time was associated with a 20% increase in odds
The researchers took into account age, whether the child was born prematurely, the caregiver’s education, race/ethnicity, and other environmental factors, such as how often the child played or walked with the caregiver. Medium- and long-term consequences of atypical sensory responses include language delay, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral problems, sleep problems, attention problems, and delays in problem solving. “Atypical sensory processing is much more prevalent in those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,” said study lead author Karen Heffler, associate professor of psychiatry at Drexel College of Medicine. Repetitive behavior, such as that seen in autism spectrum disorder, is also highly correlated with atypical sensory processing. In the future, we may determine whether screen time early in life may fuel the sensory brain hyperconnectivity found in autism spectrum disorders, such as increased brain responses to sensory stimulation.
Corriere della Sera also on Whatsapp. sufficient click here to subscribe to the channel and always be updated.
January 10, 2024 (modified January 10, 2024 | 08:42)
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
#Small #children #watch #videos #developmental #delays #time.news