Excessive screen time during early childhood has been found to be associated with developmental delays in children, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Tohoku University in Japan. The study, which analyzed data from over 7,000 mother-child pairs participating in a cohort study conducted over three generations, highlights the potential negative impact of screen time on children’s development.
To assess the children’s screen time exposure, parental questionnaires were used to gather information on their viewing habits of various electronic devices, including televisions, video game displays, tablets, mobile phones, and other screens. The children were divided almost evenly between boys and girls, and their screen time exposure was categorized into four groups: less than one hour, one to less than two hours, two to less than four hours, and four or more hours.
The children’s development was evaluated at two and four years of age across five skill domains: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal and social skills. This study, unlike previous research, examined the impact of screen time on each specific domain, providing a more detailed understanding of its effects.
The analysis revealed a dose-response association between screen time at age one and later developmental delay, indicating that the amount of screen time was correlated with the level of developmental delay. At age two, increased screen time at age one was associated with delays in all domains except for gross motor skills. However, by age four, increased screen time was only associated with delays in the communication and problem-solving domains.
These findings suggest that the different domains of development should be considered separately when discussing the impact of screen time on children’s development. It is important to note that the study does not establish causation, but rather an association between screen time and developmental delays.
The researchers were motivated to conduct this study by recent evidence from the World Health Organization, which highlighted the excessive screen time among children and its potential negative consequences. Pediatricians and social researchers have identified several side effects of excessive screen time, including reduced physical activity, sleep problems, narrower range of interests, lower academic performance, weight and body image issues, as well as mood and attention disorders.
While the study does not recommend a complete elimination of screen time for children, it raises awareness about the need to strike a balance between screen time and other activities, such as outdoor play and social interactions. With the widespread availability of digital devices, it is essential for parents and caregivers to be mindful of the potential impact of excessive screen time on children’s development.
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the association between excessive screen time and developmental delays in children. By considering the specific skill domains affected by screen time, future discussions and interventions can be tailored to address these areas of concern. It is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to promote a healthy balance between screen time and other activities to support children’s overall development and well-being.
Source: Excess screen-time linked to developmental delays in kids
