Limiting screen time for children has long been recommended by experts, but a recent study sheds new light on the potential consequences. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise no more than one hour of screen time for children aged 2 to 5, yet many kids fall short of this guideline.
The study, conducted by the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project, analyzed data from over 7,000 mother-child pairs in Japan. Researchers found that children with more screen time were at a higher risk for developmental delays in communication, motor skills, problem-solving, and personal and social skills.
This isn’t the first study to explore the impact of screen time on child development, but it is the first to examine multiple domains of development. Previous research focused on single measures as outcomes, leaving a gap in understanding the specific effects.
It was also revealed that not all screen time is created equal. While greater screen use was associated with decreased language skills, watching educational programs on electronic devices can actually boost language skills.
Additionally, the study also addressed the question of whether the impact of screen time persists as children age. While previous studies found no long-term associations, this research challenges that finding. The results indicate that screen time in early childhood can have lasting effects on development, particularly in the areas of communication and problem-solving.
The findings of this study highlight the need for further research and underscore the importance of managing children’s screen time. As digital devices become more prevalent and programming more robust, it’s important to consider how these factors impact child development.
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