There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that screen viewing before the age of 2 can have lasting negative effects on children’s development. This is why many experts recommend no screen time for children under 2 years old.
One of the main concerns with screen time for young children is its impact on language development. Research has shown that children who have more screen time before the age of 2 have lower language skills compared to those who have less screen time. This is likely because screen viewing does not provide the same level of interaction and language stimulation that real-life interactions do. When young children are exposed to screens, they are not engaging in conversations, hearing and learning new words, or developing their language skills in the same way.
In addition to language development, screen time before age 2 has also been linked to negative effects on reading skills. Studies have found that excessive screen time in early childhood is associated with poorer reading outcomes later in life. This may be because screen viewing often involves passive consumption of content, whereas reading requires active engagement and cognitive processing.
Furthermore, excessive screen time has been shown to have detrimental effects on short-term memory. Research indicates that young children who have more screen time have poorer working memory skills, which are important for learning and academic achievement. This could have long-term consequences for their cognitive development.
Another concerning aspect of screen time in early childhood is its association with increased risk of overweight and obesity. Sedentary behaviors, such as sitting in front of a screen, can lead to decreased physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. This can contribute to weight gain and the development of obesity, which in turn can have a range of negative health consequences.
Moreover, excessive screen time has been found to contribute to problems with sleep and attention in young children. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This can lead to difficulties falling asleep and disrupted sleep patterns. Additionally, excessive screen time can overstimulate young children’s brains, making it harder for them to focus and pay attention.
The evidence suggests that screen viewing before age 2 can have lasting negative effects on children’s language development, reading skills, short-term memory, and increase their chances of becoming overweight or obese. It also contributes to problems with sleep and attention. It is important to limit screen time for young children and prioritize other forms of interactive and stimulating activities for their healthy development.