How screen time affects childhood development
From an article by Safety Detectives
As screen technology becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, attempts to understand its impact on cognitive and behavioural development, particularly in children, have sparked concerns and debate. Discussions of screen time in popular media are overwhelmingly negative but parents might benefit more from three considerations: the quality of the content, opportunity costs, and the child’s age.
When considering screen time limits, parents might give the quality of the content their children consume one of four labels: passive, interactive, communicative, and creative:
1. Passive and communicative: Content that’s wholly passive, in which children mindlessly watch videos or scroll through images, is often made only for entertainment or commercial purposes. While many studies suggest this low-quality content is best limited, some studies show that completely blocking this kind of content may not be for the best.
2. Interactive and creative: Content that’s more interactive - in which children solve puzzles, chat with friends or family, create content, or do schoolwork - is considered higher quality. However, children engaged in these activities should still be monitored to ensure their behaviour is positive and the content is appropriate.
At the same time, parents should consider the opportunity costs that come with screen time. An opportunity cost is a benefit or value that a decision causes you to miss. For example, a child who chooses to watch videos on a rainy day when they aren’t feeling well probably isn’t missing out on much else and may even have found a way to cope with feeling poorly.
On the flip side, a child who chooses to watch videos when they could otherwise be outside on a pleasant day, or at an indoor play zone, is missing an important opportunity for exercise and socialization. In short, children need to find a balance between online activities and meaningful, “real-world” experiences.
Age considerations
For very young children - under 18 months: Children this young may be captivated by a screen with fast-moving images and music, their brains simply aren’t developed enough to get much benefit from it. For pre-school children, limiting screen time to high-quality programming that an adult engages with them in is recommended. For example, an adult might watch shows with puppets or cartoons that count, name shapes, or spell words, and help the child guess at the words and sound them out. As children get older, monitoring their screen time to ensure their use is age-appropriate and isn’t upsetting the child, and negotiating a balance that feels right for your family, is best.
Positive and negative considerations
Numerous studies show a positive correlation between appropriate screen time and IQ and academic performance. Perhaps unsurprisingly, content that is made to be educational is most positively correlated with improved performance. Particularly when it’s thoughtfully implemented into classrooms, technology can increase academic performance and engagement, and close achievement gaps for at-risk students.
Exposure to educational material like Sesame Street before age 7 has been correlated with improved academic achievement and long-term positive outcomes. Over a two-year period, children who spent more time on average playing video games improved their IQ test scores by 2.5 more points than their peers. Video games have also been correlated with improved literacy, visual-spatial awareness, problem solving, and social connections, among other benefits.
Other studies show that there is cause for limits and guardrails. A study correlated above-average screen time at 12-months with developmental delays in communication and problem-solving as much as 3 years later. Other studies have correlated worrisome physical changes in the brain’s structure with heavy screen-time.
Prolonged use of screens has also been correlated with decreased organization of the brain’s white matter, which supports language and literacy. In this study, participants with more screen time performed less well on cognitive tests.
Other studies have linked the use of phones and mobile devices in early development with delayed speech development, decreased executive functioning, and hyperactivity and inattention in classrooms. In addition, research indicates that spending too much time on screens can affect brain function, leading to shorter attention spans and increasing feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. It also has been linked to lower academic achievement in kids.
Tips for limiting screen time
Establish Boundaries: Creating a healthy digital environment starts with clear communication. Establishing clear expectations about screen time with your children is crucial. Set achievable goals to consciously reduce screen time and make use of device features that allow you to limit usage time. This could include setting up app limits, downtime schedules, or using parental control software to help manage and monitor screen use effectively.
Store Hand-Held Devices Properly: To resist the constant pull of screens, store hand-held devices out of sight during designated screen-free times. Place them in a common charging area or another designated spot. This minimizes temptation and helps reinforce the boundaries you’ve set around screen time, making it easier for everyone to stick to the plan.
Establish Phone-Free Areas: Creating phone-free zones within your home can significantly reduce screen time and improve family interactions. Start with the dining area, declaring it a no-phone zone to encourage family time during meals without the distraction of screens. This simple step can help foster better communication and connection among family members.
Encourage Outdoor Activities or Unstructured Playtime: Encouraging your family to put down their devices and engage in outdoor activities or unstructured playtime is beneficial for both mental and physical health. Outdoor activities boost endorphins, leading to a happier mood, and contribute positively to physical health. Whether it’s a bike ride, a game of catch, or a walk in the park, these activities provide valuable opportunities for family bonding and exercise.
Keep Screens Out of Your Child’s Bedroom: One effective strategy for ensuring that screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep is to require that children charge their devices outside of their bedrooms at night. This helps avoid the temptation for late-night scrolling and helps ensure that your child gets a restful night’s sleep, which is essential for their overall health and well-being.
Participate in Screen Time Together: Joining your children during their screen time can be more than just monitoring; it’s an opportunity for bonding and learning. By watching shows or playing games together, you can directly guide their understanding and interpretation of what they’re seeing. Discuss the content actively, ask questions, and engage in activities like singing along to music.
Encourage Digital Literacy: Teaching your child to critically assess the content they encounter online is fundamental to developing responsible digital habits. This includes understanding the impact of their technology use, recognizing the reliability of online information, and being aware of how personal data may be collected and used. Encourage older children to think about the credibility of websites and to recognize that all media content is created with certain perspectives and biases.
Be Selective with Media Choices: Making informed decisions about the media your children consume is crucial. Resources like Common Sense Media offer reviews and recommendations for age-appropriate apps, games, and shows, helping parents select content that is educational, entertaining, and aligned with their family’s values. These guides are invaluable tools for curating a media diet that supports healthy development.
Use Technology to Limit Screen Time: Leveraging technology itself can help manage and monitor screen time effectively. Home internet routers, security systems, and features on gaming consoles and computers can restrict usage times and content access. Additionally, companies like Apple and Google provide settings and tools designed to track and limit screen time. While these technological solutions offer control, you should balance them with open communication to avoid driving behaviour underground.
Lead by Example: Children mimic adult behavior. By demonstrating balanced screen use and engaging in various activities yourself, you set a positive example for your children to follow.
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From an article by Safety Detectives, 13/11/2024