The Negative Effects of Screen Time on Babies and Toddlers

In the digital age, screen time has become an integral part of daily life for many, including our youngest members of society. While technology offers educational and entertainment value, excessive screen time for babies and toddlers is linked to a range of negative developmental outcomes. This article explores the detrimental effects of screen time on children aged 0-5 years, drawing on recent research and guidelines.

Impact on Cognitive Development

For children younger than five years, there is strong evidence that screen time has negative effects on weight, motor and cognitive development, social and psychological wellbeing^[1]. Excessive screen time during infancy may lead to changes in brain activity, as well as problems with executive functioning, which includes the ability to stay focused and control impulses, behaviours, and emotions^[4]. This is particularly concerning as executive functioning skills are crucial for higher-level cognition, emotional regulation, learning, academic achievement, and mental health^[4].

Physical Health Concerns

Increased screen time is linked to several health issues, such as obesity and diabetes, due to the promotion of a more sedentary lifestyle^[3]. For instance, children who engage with screens for more than two hours a day are more likely to have high blood pressure^[3]. Moreover, the more time children spend with screens, the more likely they are to experience sleep disruptions, which can further impact their health and cognitive development^[3].

Social and Emotional Development

Screen time can also negatively affect children’s social skills and emotional wellbeing. One study found that as a child’s daily screen time increased, there were lower levels of self-worth and self-esteem, and more anxiety and depression^[3]. This suggests that not only does excessive screen time impact physical health and cognitive development, but it also has the potential to affect children’s emotional health and social interactions.

Guidelines and Recommendations

Given these findings, national and international guidelines have been established to help parents and caregivers navigate screen time for young children. The Australian 24-hour movement guidelines recommend no screen time for children younger than two years and no more than one hour per day for children aged 2-5 years^[1]. Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises keeping children away from screens until they’re 18 months old and limiting digital media use for 2- to 5-year-olds^[4].

Conclusion

The evidence on the effects of excessive screen time on babies and toddlers underscores the importance of limiting screen exposure in early childhood. While screens are an unavoidable part of modern life, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to monitor and limit screen time, encourage physical activity, and ensure that children engage in real-world interactions that support their development. By adhering to recommended guidelines, we can help safeguard the health and development of our youngest generation.

References

1. “Too much time on screens? Screen time effects and guidelines for children and young people,” Australian Institute of Family Studies, August 2021[1].
2. “Babies and screen time: New research calls for caution,” February 3, 2023[4].
3. “Screen time for babies and toddlers: the evidence,” NCT[3].
4. “Your child’s academic success may start with their screen time as infants,” CNN, January 30, 2023[4].

Citations:
[1] https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/too-much-time-screens
[2] https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/j.ctt14bs43q.1
[3] https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/games-and-play/screen-time-for-babies-and-toddlers-evidence
[4] https://answers.childrenshospital.org/screen-time-infants/
[5] https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/
[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952
[7] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2808593
[8] https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/babies-screen-time
[9] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/cover-kids-screens
[10] https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10122061/
[12] https://www.parents.com/study-shows-screen-time-harm-in-infants-7814272
[13] https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-preschool-children
[14] https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/screen-time-recommendations-for-children-under-six/
[15] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/21/health/screen-time-developmental-delays-babies.html
[16] https://lovevery.com/community/blog/child-development/we-did-all-the-research-on-screen-time-and-heres-what-we-found/
[17] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/children-and-screen-time
[18] https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Where-We-Stand-TV-Viewing-Time.aspx
[19] [20] https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/30/health/screen-time-infants-executive-function-wellness/index.html
[21] https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/21/health/screen-time-child-development-delays-risks-wellness/index.html
[22] https://healthysd.gov/screens-not-for-babies/
[23] https://www.cureus.com/articles/162175-effects-of-excessive-screen-time-on-child-development-an-updated-review-and-strategies-for-management
[24] https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/screentime-baby-todd.html
[25] https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/games-and-play/screen-time-for-babies-and-toddlers-evidence