New Research Finds Early Screen Use Can Have Long-Term Negative Effects on Children
Giving your phone or tablet to young children in order to keep them occupied may seem like a convenient solution, but experts are cautioning against this practice. A recent study has found that early screen use can have detrimental effects on a child’s development in the long run.
As a new mom, Chantall Dodd-Sanchez of San Jacinto understands the challenges of parenting and the temptation to rely on screens for help. However, she is now reevaluating her decision after learning about the potential negative consequences.
The study, conducted in Japan, involved 8,000 babies whose parents were asked to log their digital usage. It compared the hours of screen time usage up to age 1 to the children’s developmental delays at ages 2 and 4. The findings were alarming – babies exposed to four hours of screen time a day showed the worst developmental delays, particularly in problem-solving and communication skills.
Dr. Evita Limon-Rocha, a child psychologist with Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, describes the study as powerful and emphasizes that it showcased the importance of face-to-face interaction and its role in conveying language and meaning. It is through these interactions that children learn facial expressions and other vital communication skills.
The study also discovered that the more electronics babies were given, the higher the likelihood of developmental delays. However, Limon-Rocha assures parents that some of these delays can be reversed. If parents notice any developmental delays in their children, they are encouraged to talk to their pediatrician for guidance. It is worth noting that the study did not differentiate between educational and entertainment videos.
Dodd-Sanchez, who is now more cautious about her son’s screen time, believes that engaging content and interaction are key to ensuring a healthy balance. She strives to ensure her son is not just passively watching screens, but actively engaging with the content.
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides guidelines on screen time for children. For children aged 18 to 24 months, no screen time is recommended, except for video chatting. For children aged 2 to 5 years old, the recommendation is an hour or less of screen time. However, experts remind parents not to feel guilty if they occasionally need a digital timeout, as life can be busy and hectic.
Dr. Limon-Rocha emphasizes that this new information is meant to equip parents with more tools to make the best decisions for their individual families. The study serves as a reminder of the importance of face-to-face interaction in a child’s development and highlights the potential negative consequences of excessive screen time at a young age.
In conclusion, while the convenience of screens may seem enticing, experts advise parents to explore other ways to calm and entertain their children. Face-to-face interaction and engaging activities are crucial for a child’s healthy development, and finding a balance between screen time and real-life experiences is key.