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In the current digital age, screen time has become an important part of everyone's daily life, including children. Children are increasingly being exposed to digital content like smartphones, tablets, and televisions. Although technology provides valuable learning opportunities, it also raises concerns about the potential impact on children's development.
Could anything go wrong with screen time?
Researchers are still debating whether screen time directly affects thinking skills in young children. Most studies can only show a link, not a cause-and-effect relationship. This is because it's difficult to do experiments where some children watch screens and others don't.
However, a study conducted by the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, found that children under the age of two who spent more than 90 minutes a day in front of screens showed delays in important developmental areas by the ages of four and eight. These children scored below average in vocabulary, communication, writing, and numeracy skills. Moreover, their social skills suffered, as they were more likely to play alone, struggled with peer relationships, and were less considerate and willing to share objects and activities. Since most learning takes place during play and from peers, it can indirectly affect their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Possible negative effects of excessive screen time
When technology is misused or excessively used, it can negatively impact the child in the following ways:
Language Development: Young brains learn best through interactive experiences. Screens, by nature, are passive, limiting the back-and-forth conversations that are essential for language acquisition. This is especially true for children under 2, where screen time can hinder vocabulary development.
Cognitive Skills: The rapid-fire world of screens, with its flashy visuals and constant stimulation, can shorten attention spans. This can make it difficult for children to focus on slower-paced activities like reading or playing creatively, which are necessary for cognitive development. These negative effects are more pronounced in younger children when their brains are considered "plastic"—meaning that their brains are adapting and shifting based upon environmental influence (ages 0-5).
Social and Emotional Learning: To understand social cues, empathy, and emotional regulation, children require real-life interactions and experiences. Overreliance on screens can limit opportunities to develop these important skills, potentially leading to social isolation, difficulty managing emotions, and the display of challenging behaviours.
Physical Health: Excessive screen time often translates to less time spent on physical activity. This can contribute to myopia, childhood obesity, along with associated health concerns. Research has showcased that increased screen exposure was associated with a 2.6% increase in myopia cases in young children.
Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt sleep patterns, especially before bed. In children, sleep is fundamental for overall development, learning, and memory formation and retention. Without adequate sleep, children's physical and cognitive abilities may suffer.
Positive effects of screen time
Despite these concerns, when technology is used strategically and at the right limit, it can have the following positive effects:
Educational Apps: High-quality educational content and interactive apps can supplement learning and encourage problem-solving skills, especially for older children.
Social Connection: Video chat tools can help children stay connected with distant family and friends and facilitate social interaction and bonding.
Accessibility: Technology can be a valuable tool for children with disabilities, allowing them to access information and participate in activities they might otherwise struggle with. For example, audiobooks can open up the world of literature for children with visual impairments.
How Much Is Too Much? The Recommended Screen Time Guidelines
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) provide clear guidelines to help parents understand the limit of children’s screen exposure:
Children under 2 years: No screen time at all (babies need humans, not screens)
Children aged 2 to 5 years: A maximum of one hour per day.
Children aged 6 and older: Create consistent boundaries with a focus on quality content and a healthy balance with other activities like sleep, social interaction, and exercise.
Factors needed to consider during screen time
Types of content viewed: Educational and age-appropriate content designed for children should be encouraged as it can also provide cognitive and social benefits. While content involving violence or adult content can be dangerous.
Parental involvement: Parents need to view screens together, and actively discussing content can help children learn, process, and retain information better.
Purpose of using screens: Technology should serve a meaningful purpose, such as educational participation and meaningful interaction, and not just be used to waste away time or bribe the child from throwing tantrums.
Duration and Frequency: In the long term, short-term structured screen sessions are more beneficial than uncontrolled exposure while following the limit structured for each age.
Some additional tips to keep in mind are:
Discuss with your child what they are seeing on the screen while pointing out good behaviours, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others. Make connections to meaningful past and future events or places of interest. Grab every opportunity to teach your child important life skills.
Be aware of advertising and how it influences you and your child’s choices. Don’t be fooled!
Encourage your child to learn other activities such as sports, music, art, and hobbies that are hands-on and do not involve screens.
Set a good example with your own safe and healthy screen habits. You are your child's role model, so act right too!
Teach children about online privacy and safety. If you don't teach them, the community will do that through crimes and bullying, and it might be beyond your control.
Actively decide when your child is ready for a personal device. Because a friend's child has started using, it shouldn't pressure you to give your child a phone. Each child is again—UNIQUE!
Consider your child's maturity and habits. The right plan for one family may not be a good fit for another.
References
Guellai, B., Somogyi, E., Esseily, R., & Chopin, A. (2022). Effects of screen exposure on young children’s cognitive development: A review. Frontiers in Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.923370
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2025). Children and watching TV (No. 54). Retrieved from https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx#:~:text=Between%2018%20and%2024%20months,limit%20activities%20that%20include%20screens.
The Telegraph. (2025, January 19). How 90 minutes of screen time a day affects child development. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/19/how-90-minutes-of-screen-time-day-affects-child-development/
Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep for Children under 5 Years of Age. (2019). World Health Organization.
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