# data[].attributes.body
Some studies associate prolonged TV viewing with lower cognitive abilities, especially related to short-term memory, early reading and math skills and language development

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Canadian Paediatric Society, Digital Health Task Force, Ottawa, Ontario

Abstract

The digital landscape is evolving more quickly than research on the effects of screen media on the development, learning and family life of young children. This statement examines the potential benefits and risks of screen media in children younger than 5 years, focusing on developmental, psychosocial and physical health. Evidence-based guidance to optimize and support children's early media experiences involves four principles: minimizing, mitigating, mindfully using and modelling healthy use of screens. Knowing how young children learn and develop informs best practice strategies for health care providers.

BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY

Exposure to digital media in Canadian family life is increasing, as are concerns about how screen time affects children and families. This statement examines potential benefits and risks of screen exposure and use on children younger than 5 years, and provides evidence-based guidance for health professionals to help families. 'Screen time' refers to time spent with any screen, including smart phones, tablets, television, video games, computers or wearable technology. 'Digital media' refers to content transmitted over the Internet or computer networks on all devices, unless particular ones are specified.

A 2016 survey of Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) members found that parents sought advice about their children's screen time in four main areas: duration (how much is too much?), setting limits, the effects on health and well-being and optimal content. A literature search ( 1) into the effects of screen media on children younger than 5 years included systematic reviews, guidelines and policy statements on screen media exposure and use. Potential benefits and risks were categorized into developmental, psychosocial and physical domains. Recommendations are based on evidence and expert consensus. Screen time in older children and adolescents, children with neurodevelopmental disorders and environmental health concerns are beyond the scope of this statement.

WHY FOCUS ON THIS AGE GROUP?

Research recognizes important developmental differences between preschool and later childhood, and TV-based data have established that a child's earliest screen encounters can be formative ( 2-4).

They may be habit-forming, and early overexposure increases the likelihood of overuse in later life ( 4, 5).

Health routines, including family media use, are established more easily in early childhood than later on ( 4).

Screen use tends to increase over time to include more entertainment (versus exclusively educational viewing) ( 6-8).

Some important trends are reshaping early childhood:

Active Healthy Kids Canada reported in 2014 that children 3 to 5 years old spend an average of 2 hours per day in front of screens ( 9). Only 15% of preschoolers met current Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years, which recommend limiting screen time to less than 1 hour per day ( 10).

TV still dominates total screen time and appears to be increasing for this age group ( 11). Many preschoolers accumulate screen time at home and in child care ( 5, 12), from a variety of screens that are easily transportable.

In the USA, rates of mobile media use among 2- to 4-year-olds increased from 39% to 80% between 2011 and 2013 ( 12-15). A recent UK study found that about 51% of infants 6- to 11-months-old use a touch screen daily ( 16).

A 2012 US study found that the average child between 8 months and 8 years of age is exposed to nearly 4 hours of background TV on a typical day ( 17).

IMPACTS OF SCREEN MEDIA ON DEVELOPMENT

Whether early exposure to screen media changes the developing brain is not known, and published research on how (and how much) children younger than 5 years of age actually learn from screens remains limited ( 6, 18-21). Still, studies show that while babies do not absorb content from TV, it can catch and hold their attention. They can imitate specific actions they see on screen between 6 and 14 months, and remember brief sequences by 18 months ( 6).

Children begin to understand content by the end of their second year ( 5, 22). There is solid evidence that infants and toddlers have difficulty transferring new learning from a 2D representation to a 3D object (e.g., from screen to real life) and are unlikely to learn from TV at this age ( 6, 23-25). By contrast, they learn intensely through face-to-face interaction with parents and caregivers. Early learning is easier, more enriching and developmentally more efficient when experienced live, interactively, in real time and space, and with real people ( 26-29).

Potential benefits for development

Beginning at about 2 years, quality TV-well-designed, age-appropriate programs with specific educational goals-can provide an additional route to early language and literacy for children ( 30). Quality programming also fosters aspects of cognitive development, including positive racial attitudes and imaginative play ( 31). Early evidence suggests that interactive media, specifically applications that involve contingent responses from an adult (i.e., timely reactions to what a child says or does), can help children retain taught information. This responsiveness, when coupled with age-appropriate content, timing and intensity of action, can teach new words to 24-month-olds ( 21, 22, 32). There is early evidence that interactive 'learn-to-read' apps and e-books can build early literacy by providing practice with letters, phonics and word recognition ( 21, 33). However, while screens may help with language learning when quality content is co-viewed and discussed with a parent or caregiver ( 34), preschoolers learn best (i.e., in expressive and vocabulary terms) from live, direct and dynamic interactions with caring adults ( 35).

Risks for development

Research examining TV exposure has demonstrated associations, although not direct causal relationships, between heavy early screen exposure (more than 2 hours/day by infants younger than 12 months in one study) and significant language delays ( 26, 36). Evidence of an association between screen time and attentional difficulties is mixed, with negative effects only clearly apparent when exposure is extremely high (i.e., more than 7 hours/day) ( 6, 37). High exposure to background TV has been found to negatively affect language use and acquisition, attention, cognitive development and executive function in children younger than 5 years. It also reduces the amount and quality of parent-child interaction and distracts from play ( 17, 22, 35, 38). While e-books have been shown to offer benefits with children's reading engagement, parents appear to use fewer reading strategies during these interactions. Further, e-book sound effects and animation can interfere with story comprehension and event sequencing in preschoolers, when compared with paper books ( 21, 39-42).

Some studies associate prolonged TV viewing with lower cognitive abilities, especially related to short-term memory, early reading and math skills and language development ( 12, 20, 43-45). Fast-paced or violent content can negatively impact executive function ( 5, 46), and these effects may be cumulative. The inability of young children (especially those younger than 2 years) to distinguish everyday reality from what happens on screen, along with their efforts to make sense of competing experiential realms, may interfere with and impede executive function ( 6, 47).

What makes the difference? Minimizing and mitigating screen time

Because there are no proven benefits of media exposure for infants and toddlers, and some known developmental risks ( 20, 22, 26, 48), counsel parents to minimize young children's screen time. Minimizing screen time leaves more time for face-to-face interactions, which is how young children learn best.

When children watch educational, age-appropriate content with an engaged adult, screen time can be a positive learning experience. When adults mitigate screen time, they:

Watch with children. Adults can connect what is being viewed with real life, and build language and cognitive skills, such as attention, memory and thinking ( 6, 38, 49). Shared screen time also avoids the disadvantages of solitary viewing.

Actively curate children's screen activities by prioritizing educational content or apps, avoiding mainstream or commercial programs and using a media classification rating (e.g., the Canadian Home Video Rating System) to guide viewing choices.

Combine touch screen use with creative or active play ( 50).

Although a 'digital divide' between households with and without Internet access persists in Canada, learning apps on mobile devices may help bridge the gap ( 12). In 2016, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission pledged to provide Internet access as a basic service for all Canadians ( 11). However, even as screen-based educational content becomes increasingly accessible to all families, a new gap may be opening. Children whose parents have the ability to mentor and curate screen encounters may reap benefits that are less accessible in families with fewer financial resources or parents who cannot be as involved. Health providers should be alert to this gap, which may be reflected in other parent-child interactions ( 51).

THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS OF SCREEN MEDIA

Co-viewing quality screen content can affect more than children's learning. Studies have shown that parents can positively influence children's social adaptive skills, sleep patterns and behaviours by being involved with and setting limits on their screen time ( 22, 52). Television research shows that socioeconomic factors can shape the content and mediation of screen use. Further, TV viewing has been found to be negatively associated with school readiness skills, especially as family income decreases ( 53). However, the time spent viewing-across diverse middle-income households, for example-is stable ( 6, 7, 12). In fact, socioeconomic status appears to have little bearing on the degree to which families comply with current screen guidelines ( 54). Raising awareness around how children learn best and their need for screen time limits is important for all families, regardless of economic circumstances.

Potential psychosocial benefits

Quality content can enhance social and language skills for all children aged 2 years and older, particularly for children living in poverty or who are otherwise disadvantaged ( 26, 30). Educational TV reaches children in lower-income homes almost as much as higher-income homes, and among children whose families own a laptop or mobile device, barriers to accessing and using educational content have almost disappeared ( 12). Well-designed, age-appropriate educational programs and screen activities can be powerfully pro-social, helping children to learn antiviolence attitudes, empathy, tolerance and respect ( 31, 55). Appropriately used, screen time can calm a child who is overexcited or distressed (e.g., during a medical procedure) ( 15, 56). But screen learning can affect behaviour both positively and negatively, so ensuring quality content is crucial ( 57).

Developing a family 'media action plan' can help protect and reinforce quality family time ( 58). Ideally, planning begins prenatally; accounts for the health, education and entertainment needs of each child and family member; includes screen-based activities in child care; and is reviewed periodically. Setting meaningful limits when children are young and sharing them as a family is far easier than cutting back screen time when children are older. Studies have found that parents' comfort level with saying 'no' to their children's requests to play games on screen, along with their own media-related beliefs, intentions and attitudes, are key components of constructive, positive limit-setting ( 4, 52, 59). For children-and parents-off-screen time is critical for developing essential life skills such as self-regulation ( 60), creativity and learning through physical and imaginative play.

Psychosocial risks

Recent studies confirm a strong association between parents' screen time and that of their children ( 13), raising concerns that increasing media presence is displacing quality (face-to-face) parent-child and family interactions ( 12). A recent study of smartphone use in fast-food restaurants observed that as time spent by parents on their phones increased, so too did the likelihood of children acting out to gain attention, often leading to negative interactions ( 6, 61). Another study found that parents who allow 1- to 4-year-old children to use their smartphones frequently also report offering the phone to reward or distract more often. Consequently, their children ask for the phone-and become upset if refused-more often ( 15).

Parents report that their own use of mobile technology demands more intense attention than other distractions, such as reading books or watching TV. Smartphones blur the line between work and home life, timing is unpredictable and responding often requires emotional investment. In a recent study, parents reported that shifting attention between screens and family life can be stressful, tiring and reduces their ability to interact 'in the moment' with children ( 62).

Recent evidence suggests an association between elevated levels of TV exposure at age 2 and self-reported victimization, social isolation, proactive aggression and anti-social behaviours in middle childhood ( 63, 64). Excessive TV viewing (more than 2 hours/day) has been clearly associated with early childhood self-regulation difficulties ( 26, 60). Such effects could be more pronounced in children with special behavioural needs, and self-perpetuating because parents are more likely to use screen media to pacify a child with challenging behaviours ( 22, 60). Research shows that excessive levels of screen media exposure are associated more strongly with low levels of stimulation in the home and low parental involvement than with socioeconomic position ( 6, 12, 65).

A large-scale US study from 2013 found that the spread of mobile devices did not appear to affect the amount or frequency of reading to young children. However, it also found that reading was the least-common activity children engaged in on tablets or mobile devices ( 12). Other studies suggest that parents found reading to their child from an e-book to be a less positive experience than sharing a paper book, from both fun and learning perspectives ( 66, 67). Even the most interactive e-books do not support skills like page-turning, and cannot provide the same sensory experiences as traditional books( 37, 68), which can be affectionately dragged around, manipulated and chewed.

While quality educational programming is a leading mitigator of psychosocial risk on any screen, studies show that children's access to and choice of optimal content peaks early: at 2 to 4 years old ( 7, 8, 12). As children age, they are more likely to view entertainment programming.

What makes the difference? Mindful use of screen time

Children younger than 5 years learn best from live, immersive interactions with family members and caregivers. Given the choice, they will nearly always opt for talking, playing or being read to over screen time in any form ( 22). By using screen time mindfully, parents and caregivers:

Actively enhance-and limit-media encounters by choosing them together and purposefully ('Let's watch or play this content, at this time, for this reason ').

Limit screen use in public places and during family routines, such as at meals. Family times are prime opportunities for social learning.

Select content from quality, non-commercial sources, to minimize exposure to advertising.

Pay attention to messages about gender, body image, violence, diversity and social issues when choosing content ( 69).

THE IMPACTS OF SCREEN MEDIA ON PHYSICAL HEALTH

For preschool children, physical activity is associated with improved measures of health, while sedentary behaviour is associated with less favourable health outcomes ( 70).

Potential benefits for physical health

Children's screen time does not have to be passive; digital media use can encourage and complement physical activity ( 51). Especially after age 3, children respond to activity-based programming when it is fun, designed for them and encourages imitation or participation ( 39, 71). One study found that active video games could acutely increase light-to-moderate or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) in the short term ( 72). Families and child care programs may consider using fun, age-appropriate movement (e.g., yoga or dance) and fitness apps or console games to integrate more PA into daily routines ( 51, 73, 74). Mobile devices with apps for exploring the natural world can enhance outdoor PA ( 50). Quality content connects on- with off-screen experiences, fosters engagement with caregivers and peers and supports active, imaginative play ( 51, 75, 76). One 2010 study found that while time spent watching commercial TV was significantly correlated with BMI, time spent watching non-commercial educational TV was not ( 77).

Risks for physical health

Although evidence for an association between screen time and body mass index in very young children is inconclusive, several studies have suggested that risks for overweight established by early screen use can persist into later life ( 2-6, 12, 78, 79). TV viewing in the early years can become routine, placing children who are heavy viewers at higher risk for being sedentary or overweight ( 35). One 2012 Canadian study found that children who watched just 1 hour of TV/day were 50% more likely to be overweight than those who watched less ( 80). Another study from 2009 measuring PA and body fat in middle-class preschoolers linked TV viewing to higher body fat, and found this relationship did not change when children's variable PA rates were taken into account ( 81).

While reinforcing sedentary behaviours, commercial TV also exposes children to advertisements for unhealthy foods and encourages snacking, which increases overall food intake ( 82, 83). A 2012 systematic review of TV watching and adverse dietary effects in children 2 to 6 years old found most studies reported negative effects with as little as 1 hour/day of viewing ( 84).

The amount of time spent viewing screens before bedtime is associated with an increase in sleep problems for this age group ( 6, 85), and evidence suggests that volume of screen time-rather than content alone-is detrimental to sleep patterns ( 45, 53, 86, 87). The presence of any electronic device in a bedroom is associated with fewer minutes of sleep per night, due in part to melatonin suppression ( 26, 85).

What makes the difference? Modelling screen time

Children younger than 5 years require active play and quality family time to develop essential life skills, such as language, self-regulation and creative thinking. Regardless of age, children should not have to compete with screens for parental attention. When parents model healthy screen habits, they:

Minimize their own screen use when young children are present, especially for mealtimes, play and other prime opportunities for social learning.

Prioritize interactions with children through conversation, play and healthy, active routines.

Choose when to use media together, and turn off screens when they are not in use.

Help children to recognize and question advertising messages, stereotyping and other problematic content, and ensure that media used in the presence of children is free of such content.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To promote child health and development in a digital world, physicians and other health care providers should counsel parents and caregivers of young children on the appropriate use of screen time. Specific recommendations include the following:

Minimize screen time:

Screen time for children younger than 2 years is not recommended.

For children 2 to 5 years, limit routine or regular screen time to less than 1 hour per day.

Ensure that sedentary screen time is not a routine part of child care for children younger than 5 years.

Maintain daily 'screen-free' times, especially for family meals and book-sharing.

Avoid screens for at least 1 hour before bedtime, given the potential for melatonin-suppressing effects.

(reduce) the associated with screen time:

Be present and engaged when screens are used and, whenever possible, co-view with children.

Be aware of content and prioritize educational, age-appropriate and interactive programming.

Use parenting strategies that teach self-regulation, calming and limit-setting.

As a family, be mindful about the use of screen time:

Conduct a self-assessment of current screen habits and develop a family media plan for when, how and where screens may (and may not) be used.

Help children recognize and question advertising messages, stereotyping and other problematic content.

Remember: too much screen time means lost opportunities for teaching and learning.

Be reassured that there is no evidence to support introducing technology at an early age.

Adults should model healthy screen use:

Choose healthy alternatives, such as reading, outdoor play and creative, hands-on activities.

Turn off their devices at home during family time.

Turn off screens when not in use and avoid background TV.

Ten Questions to Consider Asking Families With Young Children

1. What kind of screens are in your home (e.g., TV, tablet, computer, smartphone)? Which does your child use?

2. Is watching TV or programs/movies on other devices a shared family activity and a common way to relax? How often is a screen on in the background although no one is really watching?

3. Does anyone in the family use screens during mealtimes?

4. What do you watch with your child? What does your child watch alone?

5. Do you encourage or discourage conversation with your child while you are using screens?

6. Do you ever watch adult/commercial programming with your child?

7. Does your child use screens while you do chores around the home? Often? Sometimes?

8. Are there any screen-based activities in your child's day care program? Do you know how much these are used?

9. Does your child use any kind of screen before bedtime? How long before bedtime? Is there a TV or computer in your child's bedroom? Does your child take mobile devices into the bedroom?

10. Does your family have rules or guidelines for screen use that everyone understands and shares?

Acknowledgements

The development of this statement was made possible through an unrestricted grant from TELUS. This statement was reviewed by the Community Paediatrics Committee, the Early Years Task Force and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee of the Canadian Paediatric Society. It was also reviewed by representatives of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Special thanks are due to Professor Mary L. Courage, of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, to Dr Claire M. A. LeBlanc, with McGill University Health Centre, and to Dr Mark Tremblay, of the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (HALO), for their reviews and feedback. Thanks also to Jennie Strickland, for statement drafting, and to Jessie McGowan, for reviewing the literature.

CPS DIGITAL HEALTH TASK FORCE

Chair: Michelle Ponti MD

Members: Stacey Bélanger MD (CPS Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee); Ruth Grimes MD (CPS Board Representative); Janice Heard MD (CPS Public Education Advisory Committee); Matthew Johnson (Director of Education, MediaSmarts); Elizabeth Moreau (Director, CPS Communications and Knowledge Translation); Mark Norris MD (CPS Adolescent Health Committee); Alyson Shaw MD (Chair, CPS Literacy Promotion Advisory Group); Richard Stanwick MD (CPS Public Education Advisory Committee); Jackie Van Lankveld (Manager, Speech Services, Niagara Children's Centre); Robin Williams MD (Chair, CPS Early Years Task Force)

Contributor Information

Canadian Paediatric Society, Digital Health Task Force, Ottawa, Ontario :

Michelle Ponti, MD, Stacey Bélanger, MD, Ruth Grimes, MD, Janice Heard, MD, Matthew Johnson, Elizabeth Moreau, Mark Norris, MD, Alyson Shaw, MD, Richard Stanwick, MD, Jackie Van Lankveld, and Robin Williams, MD

References

1. McGowan J. A Summary of Literature: Benefits and Harms Associated With Screen Use in Children Under 5. Prepared for the Canadian Paediatric Society's Digital Health Task Force, April 2016. [ Google Scholar]

27. Eliot L. What's Going On in There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life. New York: Bantam Books, 2000. [ Google Scholar]

42. Estevez-Menendez M, An H, Strasser J. The effects of interactive multimedia iPad E-books on preschoolers' literacy. In: An H, Alon S, Fuentes D, eds. Tablets in K-12 Education: Integrated Experiences and Implications. Hershey: IGI Global, 2014. [ Google Scholar]

51. US Department of Education; US Department of Health and Human Services. Early Learning and Educational Technology Brief October 2016. < http://tech.ed.gov/earlylearning> (Accessed April 11, 2017).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Screen time and young children: Promoting health and development in a digital world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The digital landscape is evolving more quickly than research on the effects of screen media on the development, learning and family life of young children. This statement examines the potential benefits and risks of screen media in children younger than ...

# data[].attributes.body
It’s important for parents to know that children who spend more time with a screen see various health issues such as:

Obesity

Sleep disturbances

An increased risk of developing chronic conditions later in life.

Behavioral problems

Impaired academic performance

Difficulty in managing emotions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In today's digital age, screens are an integral part of our daily lives. Children are no exception to this trend. From smartphones and tablets to computers and TVs, screens surround kids at home, school, and everywhere in between. While technology does offer various learning and entertainment opportunities, there is growing concern about the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In this article, we'll explore the significance of limiting screen time for children, why it's crucial for their development and the practical ways parents can implement limits.

Health Concerns & Limiting Screen Time

Did you know children who spend more time on a screen have been seen to have more health issues than those that don't? It's important for parents to know that children who spend more time with a screen see various health issues such as:

Obesity

Sleep disturbances

An increased risk of developing chronic conditions later in life.

Behavioral problems

Impaired academic performance

Difficulty in managing emotions

Influence of Screen Time on Social Skills

While excessive screen time can have a significant impact on a child's health and social development, it can also limit opportunities for face-to-face interactions with peers and family members. In fact, children who spend significant time in front of screens may have difficulty understanding social cues, expressing emotions, and building meaningful relationships as they grow.

To address this, parents can encourage real-life interactions and communication with others. To do this, consider:

Organizing playdates

Participating in group activities

Engaging in family discussions

These are just a few excellent ways to help children develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and social awareness.

Benefits of Limiting Screen Time

While screens can make any parent's life easier, limiting time spent on one has its benefits. When choosing to reduce screen time, children are able to engage in more physical activities, social interactions, and imaginative play, all of which are crucial for their cognitive and emotional development. Children may also discover new hobbies, develop creative skills, and improve problem-solving abilities. By limiting screen time, parents can encourage their children to explore the world around them and build meaningful connections with others. It also allows families to spend more quality time together, which plays an integral role in how children look at the world and foster relationships.

Research has also shown children learn best from interacting with their surroundings and engaging in hands-on activities. When parents choose to limit screen time and encourage active learning experiences, they can foster a love for learning in their children.

Effective Ways to Limit Screen Time

If you're a parent who has made a choice to limit the time using screens, you may find implementing rules and limits for screen time challenging. Rest assured, there are practical strategies you can use to make the transition smoother and help you reduce the amount of screen time for your child or children. Leading by example and limiting your time spent using your own electronic devices is a great option. By choosing to be a good role model, you help your children see you setting healthy boundaries and are more likely to follow suit. Establishing clear rules and setting a schedule for screen use for yourself and for your children can help them to understand and adhere to limits.

Another option is to create a screen-free environment. To do this, consider designating specific rooms or areas in the house for device-free activities. Engaging children in alternative activities like sports, arts and crafts, reading, and outdoor play can also help in diverting their attention from screens and enrich their experiences and their minds.

Positive Screen Time Practices

Not all screen time is harmful, though. Parents can choose high-quality educational content that supports their child's learning and skill development. Engaging children in interactive games and educational apps can enhance not only their problem-solving abilities but their cognitive skills too. Balancing educational content with age-appropriate entertainment can also make screen time enjoyable while fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Strategies for Reducing Screen Time

For parents looking to reduce screen time, you'll want to plan carefully and be consistent with implementation. Consider starting by setting specific screen time limits based on age-appropriate recommendations. For instance, you can establish a rule of no screen time during mealtimes or at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep. If you're not sure about what an age-appropriate recommendation is or if you see contradicting information online, consider contacting your pediatrician. They can help to provide guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Remember, communicating the reasons behind limiting screen time is crucial. When parents involve children in the decision-making process, children not only understand the benefits of reduced screen time, but they are more likely to cooperate and willingly embrace other activities.

Guidelines to Limit a Child's Screen Time for Children of Different Ages

Every child is different, and with different age groups come unique screen time requirements. Many pediatricians and experts will say children under 2 should not be in front of a screen. While preschoolers should be limited to interactive and educational content, as passive screen time may hinder development. As children get older, screen time can gradually increase, but parents should ensure it doesn't replace essential activities such as physical exercise and face-to-face interactions with peers and family. As mentioned above, if you have concerns or questions about the adverse effects of too much time on screens or ways you can ensure screen time is limited, contact your pediatrician.

The Key Takeaways

Limiting screen time for children is a topic of utmost importance in today's digital world. As screens become more pervasive, parents should know the potential risks associated with excessive screen time and take action to protect their children's well-being. By setting appropriate screen time limits, parents can help their children lead healthier, more active lives, fostering creativity, social skills, and overall development.

Remember, it's not about completely eliminating screen time; instead, it's about finding a balance that promotes positive and educational content while allowing ample time for physical activities, social interactions, and other enriching experiences. By being mindful of the impact of screen time on children's development and taking proactive steps to limit it, parents can create a nurturing environment that supports their child's growth and happiness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Importance of Limiting Screen Time for Children - Early Advantage Child Care

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for ways to help your children grow and develop healthily? Learn the importance of limiting screen time for children.

# data[].attributes.body
Parents being more attached to screens would mean the children's attachment wouldn't be as strong

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
“What if I was to tell you that a game of peek-a-boo could change the world?” asks seven-year-old Molly Wright, one of the youngest-ever TED speakers. Breaking down the research-backed ways parents and caregivers can support children’s healthy brain development, Wright highlights the benefits of play on lifelong learning, behavior and well-being, sharing effective strategies to help all kids thrive by the age of five. She’s joined onstage by one-year-old Ari and his dad, Amarjot, who help illustrate her big ideas about brain science. (This TED Talk was produced in collaboration with Minderoo Foundation as an educational tool for parents and caregivers around the world and is supported by UNICEF.)

# data[].attributes.headline
Expert Insights: Raising young children in a screen-saturated world

# data[].attributes.subject
Expert Insights: Raising young children in a screen-saturated world

# data[].attributes.body
August 21, 2023 -

“But when we regularly rely on screens for behavior management or distraction, young children miss out on opportunities to learn essential skills including development of self-regulation, the ability to delay gratification and how to identify and manage their feelings.”

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KALAMAZOO, Mich.-Going to the grocery store with a three-year-old is not what it used to be.

When a toddler's whining, begging and crying starts for items paraded before them row after row, it's tempting to hand them your phone as a distraction.

But over time, such decisions can have unintended impacts, says Mindy Holohan, faculty specialist II for the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

"In the short term, the use of the screen can fend off undesirable behavior," she says. "But when we regularly rely on screens for behavior management or distraction, young children miss out on opportunities to learn essential skills including development of self-regulation, the ability to delay gratification and how to identify and manage their feelings."

According to Holohan, considering the impact of screens on child development is not about evoking guilt on adults or setting unrealistic or specific screen time limits for children. It's about having a plan for technology use based on research and knowledge of early learning and development.

"We think in advance about what we're going to feed our babies, what diapers we are going to use, how their rooms will be set up and even what their education will look like," she says. "So why don't we plan for how we will manage and utilize screen technology? So much is so new and the pace of technological change is so fast that parents and practitioners find themselves without existing sets of experiences or knowledge to draw from."

Holohan, a certified family life educator with a background in early childhood education, and other experts from across the country in the Screen Time Action Network at Fairplay for Kids, have a plan.

The nonprofit organization's Early Childhood Work Group has created a free resource collection for families, educators and practitioners with the goals of "prioritizing healthy child development in a screen-saturated world, providing strategies for managing screen use for children and adults and sharing research-based information on impacts of screen technologies and resources for promoting screen awareness at home and in the classroom."

The Screen Aware Early Childhood Action Kit for young children from birth to 8 includes:

Printable handouts centered on key topics for families and practitioners.

Signs to promote screen awareness in the classroom and at home.

Sample letters from early childhood centers to families and vice versa, explaining the importance of being screen aware.

"This project responds to internal and external needs assessments and calls from parents and practitioners saying they are longing for more tools in their toolbox," says Holohan who co-chairs the work group with Sveta Pais, a Montessori practitioner based in Austin, Texas. "We want to support the cultivation of screen awareness as another layer in what we think about and plan for as parents and as practitioners who serve young children and families."

When thinking about screens and early development, it's not just about the child's screen time and use but that of their parents' and caregivers', she adds.

"What cues may we be missing when we are on our devices? How can we think about modeling healthy relationships with our own screen technology?" Holohan asks. "There are things we know are fundamental for children and their relationships, such as human contact, responsiveness and interaction, and we want to encourage vigilance on those fronts.

"Our overarching premise is that technologies change, but children's developmental needs largely do not," she continues. "We want to encourage thinking and decision-making that considers all realms of early learning and development. Even an educational game or app can be problematic when it displaces interpersonal interactions or the opportunities to explore, play and problem-solve with our whole bodies and all of our senses. It's as much about what children are not doing when they, or we, are utilizing screens as what they're engaged with on the screen, especially in the most formative years."

The action kit includes topical research-based fact sheets focused on children's developmental needs and the impacts of technology on that growth, as well as corresponding action sheets to support screen technology management in various settings.

It is not always intuitive, but, luckily, the research is catching up to the technology, says Holohan.

"It's a confusing landscape," she admits. "We know that screens are helpful in our lives, and they're not going away. We don't need to vilify them. There's already plenty of guilt associated with screens. But research shows that they are impacting early learning and development and therefore shouldn't go unchecked.

"When we have clear information and new ideas and approaches, we can feel less overwhelmed, back in the driver's seat and more in control."

Key questions for managing screen technologies for healthy child development

Is a screen really required for this activity? Does screen use achieve an outcome that would not be possible without it?

Which is more active, the technology or the child?

Could this choice increase reliance on screens for emotional or behavioral regulation?

How might my child be experiencing or interpreting my use of screen technologies?

How can I model and discuss healthy screen use habits with my child?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Expert Insights: Raising young children in a screen-saturated world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Considering the impact of screens on child development is not about evoking guilt on adults or setting unrealistic or specific screen time limits for children.

# data[].attributes.body
Modern devices have so many uses, they can have both positive and negative impacts on children’s social development. They can provide opportunities for connection and social support. They can also displace social interaction or promote conflict. Prosocial content can encourage behaviors like helping and kindness. Antisocial content can promote behaviors like aggression, violence, or hate.

Impacts vary across developmental stages, as children have different needs at different ages.

When a baby babbles and an adult responds, this provides critical input that teaches the baby about social interaction. Videos and shows (with the exception of video chatting) cannot provide the same quality of responsive interaction. The use of screen devices as calming tools during early childhood can also interfere with the development of important emotion-regulation skills.

As children get older, technology can serve as a tool for social interaction (social media and multiplayer video games, for example). However, technology often strips away critical elements of social interaction. Depending on the use, additional cues from body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and tone of voice are lost.

In adolescence, the brain is hardwired to prioritize social responses, especially with peers. This can make social platforms particularly rewarding, but also an increased risk for youth vulnerable to rejection.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Modern devices have so many uses, they can have both positive and negative impacts on children's social development. They can provide opportunities for connection and social support. They can also displace social interaction or promote conflict. Prosocial content can encourage behaviors like helping and kindness. Antisocial content can promote behaviors like aggression, violence, or hate.

Impacts vary across developmental stages, as children have different needs at different ages.

In early childhood, children are dependent on serve-and-return interactions for healthy social development. When a baby babbles and an adult responds, this provides critical input that teaches the baby about social interaction. Videos and shows (with the exception of video chatting) cannot provide the same quality of responsive interaction. The use of screen devices as calming tools during early childhood can also interfere with the development of important emotion-regulation skills.

As children get older, technology can serve as a tool for social interaction (social media and multiplayer video games, for example). However, technology often strips away critical elements of social interaction. Depending on the use, additional cues from body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and tone of voice are lost. The asynchronicity of messages and posting also alter the nature of interactions that would otherwise happen in real time.

In adolescence, the brain is hardwired to prioritize social responses, especially with peers. This can make social platforms particularly rewarding, but also an increased risk for youth vulnerable to rejection.

At all ages, it is important to promote screen behaviors that enhance connection with others. Establishing a healthy balance with offline interactions is also important.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How does technology affect kids' social development? - Children and Screens

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Modern devices have so many uses, they can have both positive and negative impacts on children's social development. They can provide opportunities for connection and social support. They can also displace social interaction or promote conflict. Prosocial content can encourage behaviors like helping and kindness. Antisocial content can promote behaviors like aggression, violence, or hate.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Importance of Limiting Screen Time for Children

# data[].attributes.subject
The Importance of Limiting Screen Time for Children

# data[].attributes.body
Teresa Bahr

September 5, 2023

It can also limit opportunities for face-to-face interactions with peers and family members. In fact, children who spend significant time in front of screens may have difficulty understanding social cues, expressing emotions, and building meaningful relationships as they grow.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In today's digital age, screens are an integral part of our daily lives. Children are no exception to this trend. From smartphones and tablets to computers and TVs, screens surround kids at home, school, and everywhere in between. While technology does offer various learning and entertainment opportunities, there is growing concern about the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In this article, we'll explore the significance of limiting screen time for children, why it's crucial for their development and the practical ways parents can implement limits.

Health Concerns & Limiting Screen Time

Did you know children who spend more time on a screen have been seen to have more health issues than those that don't? It's important for parents to know that children who spend more time with a screen see various health issues such as:

Obesity

Sleep disturbances

An increased risk of developing chronic conditions later in life.

Behavioral problems

Impaired academic performance

Difficulty in managing emotions

Influence of Screen Time on Social Skills

While excessive screen time can have a significant impact on a child's health and social development, it can also limit opportunities for face-to-face interactions with peers and family members. In fact, children who spend significant time in front of screens may have difficulty understanding social cues, expressing emotions, and building meaningful relationships as they grow.

To address this, parents can encourage real-life interactions and communication with others. To do this, consider:

Organizing playdates

Participating in group activities

Engaging in family discussions

These are just a few excellent ways to help children develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and social awareness.

Benefits of Limiting Screen Time

While screens can make any parent's life easier, limiting time spent on one has its benefits. When choosing to reduce screen time, children are able to engage in more physical activities, social interactions, and imaginative play, all of which are crucial for their cognitive and emotional development. Children may also discover new hobbies, develop creative skills, and improve problem-solving abilities. By limiting screen time, parents can encourage their children to explore the world around them and build meaningful connections with others. It also allows families to spend more quality time together, which plays an integral role in how children look at the world and foster relationships.

Research has also shown children learn best from interacting with their surroundings and engaging in hands-on activities. When parents choose to limit screen time and encourage active learning experiences, they can foster a love for learning in their children.

Effective Ways to Limit Screen Time

If you're a parent who has made a choice to limit the time using screens, you may find implementing rules and limits for screen time challenging. Rest assured, there are practical strategies you can use to make the transition smoother and help you reduce the amount of screen time for your child or children. Leading by example and limiting your time spent using your own electronic devices is a great option. By choosing to be a good role model, you help your children see you setting healthy boundaries and are more likely to follow suit. Establishing clear rules and setting a schedule for screen use for yourself and for your children can help them to understand and adhere to limits.

Another option is to create a screen-free environment. To do this, consider designating specific rooms or areas in the house for device-free activities. Engaging children in alternative activities like sports, arts and crafts, reading, and outdoor play can also help in diverting their attention from screens and enrich their experiences and their minds.

Positive Screen Time Practices

Not all screen time is harmful, though. Parents can choose high-quality educational content that supports their child's learning and skill development. Engaging children in interactive games and educational apps can enhance not only their problem-solving abilities but their cognitive skills too. Balancing educational content with age-appropriate entertainment can also make screen time enjoyable while fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Strategies for Reducing Screen Time

For parents looking to reduce screen time, you'll want to plan carefully and be consistent with implementation. Consider starting by setting specific screen time limits based on age-appropriate recommendations. For instance, you can establish a rule of no screen time during mealtimes or at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep. If you're not sure about what an age-appropriate recommendation is or if you see contradicting information online, consider contacting your pediatrician. They can help to provide guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Remember, communicating the reasons behind limiting screen time is crucial. When parents involve children in the decision-making process, children not only understand the benefits of reduced screen time, but they are more likely to cooperate and willingly embrace other activities.

Guidelines to Limit a Child's Screen Time for Children of Different Ages

Every child is different, and with different age groups come unique screen time requirements. Many pediatricians and experts will say children under 2 should not be in front of a screen. While preschoolers should be limited to interactive and educational content, as passive screen time may hinder development. As children get older, screen time can gradually increase, but parents should ensure it doesn't replace essential activities such as physical exercise and face-to-face interactions with peers and family. As mentioned above, if you have concerns or questions about the adverse effects of too much time on screens or ways you can ensure screen time is limited, contact your pediatrician.

The Key Takeaways

Limiting screen time for children is a topic of utmost importance in today's digital world. As screens become more pervasive, parents should know the potential risks associated with excessive screen time and take action to protect their children's well-being. By setting appropriate screen time limits, parents can help their children lead healthier, more active lives, fostering creativity, social skills, and overall development.

Remember, it's not about completely eliminating screen time; instead, it's about finding a balance that promotes positive and educational content while allowing ample time for physical activities, social interactions, and other enriching experiences. By being mindful of the impact of screen time on children's development and taking proactive steps to limit it, parents can create a nurturing environment that supports their child's growth and happiness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Importance of Limiting Screen Time for Children - Early Advantage Child Care

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for ways to help your children grow and develop healthily? Learn the importance of limiting screen time for children.

# data[].attributes.body
Exposure to screens reduces babies’ ability to read human emotion and control their frustration. It also detracts from activities that help boost their brain power, like play and interacting with other children. But if you have to rely on screens at certain moments, just make sure to control the quality of what they see and engage with them while they’re watching. The benefits of limiting and even eliminating screen time in these early moments will last a lifetime.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Did you know that the negative effects of too much screen time for babies and toddlers range from shorter attention span to lower empathy?

Carlota Nelson, director of the documentary Brain Matters, explores why too much screen time can harm babies and the importance of ensuring children enjoy off-screen experiences.

Babies, toddlers and screen time

In today's tech and media-driven world, many parents use screens to keep young children entertained or distracted while they juggle other needs. It works. Screens captivate children's attention in a way almost nothing else does, allowing parents a bit of a breather. But what is the impact of screens on young brains and how much screen time should they be exposed to?

Brain scientists who study the impact of screens on baby brains don't have all the answers yet, but what they do know will help parents understand how critical it is to provide off-screen experiences. Only then will children learn, improve their social and cognitive skills and be healthier and happier in the future.

Babies learn the most from human interaction

Patricia Kuhl is one of the world's leading brain scientists and runs experiments with more than 4,000 babies each year. "What we've discovered is that little babies, under a year old, do not learn from a machine," she says, pointing to several brain scans on a computer. "Even if you show them captivating videos, the difference in learning is extraordinary. You get genius learning from a live human being, and you get zero learning from a machine."

Perhaps that is why the World Health Organization recommends no screen time for babies under 2 and no more than one hour of screen time a day for those aged 2 to 4.

Screens hijack attention spans

For children to be successful, they need to learn how to concentrate and focus. That ability starts to develop during their earliest years when their brains are more sensitive to the environments around them. For a brain to develop and grow, it needs essential stimuli from the outside world. More importantly, they need time to process those stimuli. While reading storybooks out loud gives children time to process words, images and voices, the constant absorption of on-screen images and messages affects their attention span and focus.

Screens curtail ability to control impulses

Young children need their dose of boredom. It teaches them how to cope with frustration and control their impulses. If young children are constantly being stimulated by screens, they forget how to rely on themselves or others for entertainment. This leads to frustration and hinders imagination and motivation.

Screens reduce empathy

Research has shown that screen time inhibits young children's ability to read faces and learn social skills, two key factors needed to develop empathy. Face-to-face interactions are the only way young children learn to understand non-verbal cues and interpret them.

"Until babies develop language," says Charles Nelson, a Harvard neuroscientist who studies the impact of neglect on children's brains, "all communication is non-verbal, so they depend heavily on looking at a face and deriving meaning from that face. Is this person happy with me, or are they upset at me?" That two-way interaction between children and adult caregivers is critically important for brain development.

Exposure to screens reduces babies' ability to read human emotion and control their frustration. It also detracts from activities that help boost their brain power, like play and interacting with other children. But if you have to rely on screens at certain moments, just make sure to control the quality of what they see and engage with them while they're watching. The benefits of limiting and even eliminating screen time in these early moments will last a lifetime.

Carlota Nelson is the writer and director of Brain Matters, a groundbreaking feature documentary about early brain development in children. Before filming began, Carlota spent eight months researching early childhood development with the world's leading neuroscientists and members of the early childhood development community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out why, and how, too much screen time can harm your child

# data[].attributes.body
Study which studied children for two years and found no evidence on brain function and well being - COUNTER ARGUMENT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Professor Andrew Przybylski
Professor of Human Behaviour and Technology
Professor Przybylski is a psychologist who studies how online social media and video games platforms influence users' mental health. His research focuses on how data from these platforms can inform regulation, policymaking, and expert advice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
OII | No evidence screen time is negative for children's cognitive development and well-being: Oxford Study

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In a study of nearly 12,000 children in the United States, no evidence was found to show that screen time impacted their brain function or well-being.