WEB DESK: A recent report raises alarms over the growing trend of screen exposure among young children, suggesting it could impact their health and developmental progress. Experts caution parents about the potential consequences of excessive screen use on early childhood growth.
With screens becoming a staple in daily routines for many young kids, specialists warn that too much screen time may interfere with crucial developmental milestones, including speech, social skills, and attention span. Importantly, they emphasize that the context and manner of screen engagement are as significant as the amount of time spent.
Research from University College London indicates that nearly 75% of infants as young as nine months regularly interact with screens, with some children exceeding three hours daily. Such high levels of exposure at a tender age are linked to delays in language development, decreased social interactions, and shorter attention spans.
Interestingly, the study observed that children with siblings or those from two-parent households tend to have lower screen times, hinting at possible social or environmental influences.
Global health authorities, including the World Health Organization, recommend zero screen time for children under two and advise limiting screen exposure to no more than one hour daily for children aged two to four. Despite these guidelines, data shows that only about 25% of children under two meet these standards.
Experts stress that the focus should be on the purpose and quality of screen time, encouraging parents to actively participate during digital interactions and prioritize activities like talking, reading, and playing essential for healthy development.
They warn that excessive early screen exposure could pose risks ranging from delayed speech to psychological effects sometimes referred to as “virtual autism,” impacting mental, emotional, and physical growth. Health professionals recommend keeping children under two completely away from screens and restricting older children’s screen time to under one hour daily for optimal development.
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