Spending too much time on screens can affect children in both good and bad ways.
Cognitive development (thinking and learning):
Screens can support education, but too much screen time or trying to use many devices at once can harm memory, focus, problem-solving, and school performance. Starting screen use too early is linked to weaker learning skills later on.
Language development
Too much screen time reduces the amount and quality of conversations between children and parents, which slows language growth. Watching together and choosing age-appropriate content can make screen time more positive.
Social and emotional development
Excessive screen use is linked to obesity, poor sleep, depression, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and difficulty understanding or managing emotions.
Parents’ role
Parents can help by:
- Setting limits on screen use
- Keeping screens out of bedrooms
- Encouraging other activities
- Leading by example with their own screen habits
Overall
Caregivers, teachers, and healthcare workers need to be aware of the risks of too much screen time. Supporting healthy alternatives like play, reading, and social activities helps children grow in thinking, language, and emotional skills.
Reference
Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management; Sudheer Kumar Muppalla , Sravya Vuppalapati , Apeksha Reddy Pulliahgaru , Himabindu Sreenivasulu