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Is Screen Time Affecting Brain Development?

Is Screen Time Affecting Brain Development?
“Something that has rapidly taken over all of us in the past decade is screens. While for adults it could prove to be a waste of time, it can affect the way the brain develops in a child.”

In today’s digital age, screens have become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones and tablets to television, children are exposed to screens more than ever before. While technology does offer its share of benefits, growing concerns about its impact on children’s brain development cannot be ignored. Though, it is impossible to stay completely aloof from screens in today’s world, knowing its effect and learning to regulate screen can reduce the ill effects caused by it. 

The brain needs Humans, not Screens– UNICEF

How Does Screen Time Affect the Developing Brain?

screentime

Children’s brains are incredibly malleable, particularly during the early years when neural connections are rapidly forming. Most development of the brain occurs by the age of 3. A child’s brain is about 80% the size of an adult brain by three years. By age six, it is about 90% the size of an adult brain. Excessive screen time can interfere with the healthy development of the brain in several ways and can have a crucial effect on the development of their personalities as adults.

  • Reduced Attention Span: Learning to concentrate and focus are extremely crucial skills. The ability to focus starts developing in brains, as they are growing. Activities like reading for the child, stacking blocks, etc, help them use their imagination and let them process the information. Constant exposure to fast-paced, high-stimulation content can make it challenging for children to focus on slower, real-world activities like reading or problem-solving.
  • Inability to control impulses: It is natural for children to get frustrated if they are unable to perform a task, or do not have anything much to do. However, parents must be aware that boredom leads to enhanced imagination and creativity. It helps children cope with frustration. If children get constant entertainment from screens, then it gets difficult for them to rely on themselves leading to irritability and frustration. 
  • Impaired Social and Emotional Skills: Face-to-face interactions are critical for developing empathy, communication, and social skills. When babies interact with their caretakers and other children, they get an opportunity to read their expressions and understand emotions. Excessive screen time may reduce opportunities for these essential interactions.
  • Disrupted Sleep Patterns: There is a cycle that goes on inside the human body, this cycle- the circadian rhythm leads to changes in our body throughout the day. As it gets dark, a hormone called melatonin is secreted inside us that helps us sleep. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with melatonin production, leading to sleep disturbances, which are extremely crucial for brain development and learning.
  • Impact on Language Development: Children learn by two-way interaction. When a caretaker or older children interact with a child, they imitate, understand, and learn to talk. Passive screen time, such as watching videos, provides fewer opportunities for interactive learning, potentially delaying language acquisition in young children, which is an increasing problem in today’s time. 
  • Altered Neural Pathways: High screen usage in early childhood could impact regions of the brain responsible for cognitive functions like memory, self-regulation, and decision-making. Using screens before bedtime stimulates the brain and disrupts sleep, preventing children from entering deep REM sleep. REM sleep is crucial for processing and storing that day’s information in long-term memory. 

Lacking self-control and poor decision-making can have significant negative impacts on children in the future. 

Screen Usage Guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has laid down some crucial guidelines for Healthy Screen Use. Below are the recommendations: 

  • Babies under 18 months: Avoid screen time, except for video calls with family.
  • 18–24 months: If parents choose to introduce screens at this age, then high-quality content should be used, and parents should sit with the children while it is played to help them understand it. 
  • 2–5 years of age: At this age screen time should be limited to one hour per day. High-quality content should be used, and parents should help children understand and apply it. 
  • 6 years and older: At this age, consistent limits must be set to ensure screens don’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interaction. Families must ensure to designate screen-free times for their children.

Children under two years of age, learn best by exploring the world around them, and by playing with other children or adults. They do not understand what they are viewing on screen by themselves.  

Prolonged screen time is linked with thinner cortex areas associated with critical thinking.

How to Minimize Negative Effects- Tips for Parents

  • Encourage Screen-Free Time: Designate tech-free zones and times, like during meals or before bedtime. Play with your children, engage them in playdates, and help them generate interest in the outside world. It will help them explore and learn better.
  • Promote Outdoor Play: Engage your children in outdoor activities or creative play to support physical and cognitive development. It will not only help in good physical and mental health but also help them in making more friends. 
  • Co-View and Discuss: Whenever possible parents should co-watch and discuss the content with their child to make screen time interactive and meaningful. Pause in between to ask questions, or answer theirs, help them apply what they learn through educational content. 
  • Set a daily routine and prioritize health: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Set a daily routine to limit the harm from the screen. 
  • Keep a check on content: Look for recommendations for good shows and choose media wisely. Let your child not scroll through the videos themselves, instead regulate what they watch. 
  • Do not use portable devices: While all screens have their share of harm, mobile phones, and tablets can be carried anywhere and are more deleterious. It’s recommended to completely avoid or limit the usage of such portable screens, and prefer television instead. 
  • Model Healthy Habits: Children may not always learn what we say, they instead learn what we do. Limit your screen usage to set a positive example in front of your children. 

It’s prudent to have moderate and purposeful screen time for children, excessive use poses risks to children’s brain development. In the modern world, the key lies in striking a balance—ensuring that screen time complements, rather than replaces, critical developmental activities such as play, and human interaction. By being mindful of how and when screens are used, parents and caregivers can support their children’s healthy growth in a digital world.

FAQs for Screen Time Affecting Brain Development

Excessive screen time can disrupt the formation of neural connections in young brains, affecting attention span, memory, and self-regulation. It can also impair social and emotional development by limiting face-to-face interactions.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children under 18 months should avoid screen time except for video calls. For children 18–24 months, parents should ensure high-quality content and co-view it to help them understand.

The AAP recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day for children aged 2–5, focusing on high-quality content with parental guidance.

Yes, the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt melatonin production, leading to sleep disturbances. Poor sleep can hinder brain development and memory consolidation.

Passive screen time, such as watching videos, offers fewer opportunities for interactive learning, which can delay language acquisition in young children.

Constant exposure to fast-paced, high-stimulation content can make it harder for children to focus on slower, real-world activities like reading or problem-solving.

Parents can encourage screen-free zones, promote outdoor play, co-view content, and set consistent routines for sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

Portable devices are more harmful as they can be used anywhere, making it harder to monitor and limit usage. It’s better to minimize their use and prefer stationary screens like televisions.

Co-viewing helps make screen time interactive and educational. Parents can explain content, answer questions, and help children apply what they learn, making the experience more meaningful.

Parents should limit their own screen usage to set a positive example. Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits when they see them practiced by adults.

Dr. Ramya Bandi
Author: Dr. Ramya Bandi

Consultant Pediatric Neurologist

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