Limit Screen Time for Kids

It’s important to take a break from screens, especially for children.

No matter how old you are, overexposure to screens can have negative health effects.

Spending too much time in front of screens can lead to issues like eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and poorer sleep quality—plus increased anxiety and stress. This is according to research from Michigan State University.

This negative impact seems even more severe for children and needs careful consideration for proper correction.

A recent study, highlighted by News-Medical and conducted by researchers from Inserm and the National University of Singapore—with backing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics—found that excessive screen time during crucial developmental stages is linked to reduced academic performance and weaker working memory later on.

Published in the “World of Pediatrics” journal this past April, the research indicated that the most significant effects were seen in children who spent too much time on screens during infancy and when starting school.

The study involved following 502 children from infancy into middle childhood. Researchers noted that even at the young age of one, the negative effects were quite noticeable.

One author of the study mentioned, “This suggests that early infancy may be a critical period when the developing brain is especially vulnerable to reduced interactions due to screen time.”

Interestingly, the researchers were surprised to find that screen time for two- and three-year-olds didn’t show a strong correlation with decreased academic performance, though these effects became apparent again by age six, coinciding with formal schooling.

“So it’s not just about the early years—screen time later in childhood is also important,” the author added.

Another study commissioned by the 1,001 Critical Days foundation—led by the interdisciplinary iADDICT team from four UK universities—also revealed that screen time for kids under two could have lasting negative effects on health and quality of life, according to The Guardian.

Rafe Clayton, a senior lecturer in media and communications from the University of Leeds who co-led the study, pointed out that parents need to change their approach to screen time for both themselves and their young kids.

“By doing this, they may be inadvertently teaching children unhealthy habits and relationships with screens,” he explained.

While the iADDICT study didn’t find a clear link between specific developmental issues and screen use, the researchers still advised that children under two should not have regular intentional screen time.

They are also advocating for a “baby screen time risk assessment” to help families, particularly those most inclined to overuse screens with their children, while not placing all the blame on parents.

Andrea Leadsom, a former Conservative minister and founder of the 1,001 Critical Days Foundation, stated, “Parents shouldn’t see content marketed as suitable for babies when the evidence suggests otherwise.”

Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner for England, added that while the advice against screen time for young children is clear, it should also consider the realities of today’s world. Some limited screen use, like video calls with family or supported learning, is perfectly normal.