A recent study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics has shed light on the potential negative effects of prolonged screen time in infants. The research suggests that infants who spend more time in front of screens at the age of 1 may experience developmental delays in communication and problem-solving skills by the ages of 2 and 4.The study, which involved a significant number of participants, collected data from various healthcare facilities over a span of several years. Parents were asked to report the amount of screen time their 1-year-old child was exposed to on a typical day, including television, DVDs, video games, mobile phones, and tablets.
The findings revealed that infants who spent four or more hours per day with screens at the age of 1 were at a higher risk of experiencing developmental delays in communication and problem-solving skills by the age of 2. Furthermore, those who had four or more hours of screen time daily were significantly more likely to have communication delays and problem-solving delays by the age of 2.
The impact of excessive screen time continued to be observed at the age of 4, with children still being at a higher risk of delays in communication and problem-solving skills. However, the increased risk of delays in fine motor skills and personal and social skills diminished by this age.
Experts emphasise the significance of these findings. They emphasise the need to adhere to screen time guidelines and recommendations for infants and children, as the research highlights the impact of screen time on various areas of development, particularly communication and problem-solving skills.
It is important to note that factors other than screen time can also influence a child’s development. Genetic factors, negative experiences, and socioeconomic factors all play a role. The study identified certain characteristics among parents of children with high levels of screen time, such as age, previous childbirth experience, household income, education level, and postpartum depression.
Although the study did not provide specific details on the type of screen time children were exposed to, previous research suggests that not all forms of screen time have the same effect on a child’s development. Studies have shown that educational content can have positive effects on language skills when compared to other types of screen use. Additionally, having parents view content with their child has been found to have a positive impact on language skills.
Screen time remains a significant concern for parents, with many expressing worry about their child’s screen use. Experts recommend following the screen time guidelines set by reputable organisations, which discourage screen time for children under the age of two and suggest limiting media use as much as possible.
Experts advise parents to delay introducing screens to infants and young children, as it can be challenging to limit exposure once it begins. However, if complete elimination of screen time is not feasible, reducing it can still have a positive effect on a child’s development. It is also important for parents to ensure that the programming children are exposed to is age-appropriate and educational.
For children between the ages of 18 and 24 months, it is suggested that they can benefit from high-quality educational media as long as parents are actively involved. Interacting with the child during screen time, discussing what they are experiencing, and reinforcing lessons learned are all recommended practices. Building a routine that involves other forms of play and interaction throughout the day, without screens, is also encouraged.
This study sheds light on the potential risks associated with excessive screen time in infants and young children. It emphasises the importance of limiting screen time, particularly in children under the age of two, to support healthy development. While some forms of screen time may have benefits when used appropriately, it is crucial for parents to be actively involved and engage with their
