As children increasingly use smartphones, tablets, and computers, concerns are growing over how screen time impacts their developing brains. While digital devices offer educational benefits, excessive use can lead to negative outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided guidelines to help parents understand and manage the effects of screen time on children’s health and development.
1. Screen Time’s Impact on Cognitive Development
High screen time levels can hinder cognitive development, especially in early childhood, WHO warns. Children develop cognitive skills by exploring their environment, interacting with others, and participating in activities that enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Excessive screen time replaces these essential experiences, limiting children’s learning opportunities.
Research shows that children who spend a lot of time on screens often struggle with attention, memory, and executive functions like planning and organization. For example, toddlers and preschoolers who frequently engage in passive screen activities may have trouble concentrating and controlling impulses as they grow older. To support healthy development, WHO advises minimal or no screen time for children under two and no more than one hour per day for children aged two to four.
2. Physical Health and Sleep Disruption
Excessive screen time can also harm physical health, particularly sleep and activity levels. Blue light emitted from screens can disrupt melatonin production, delaying sleep onset and reducing sleep quality and duration. This can result in mood issues, poor focus, and low energy in children the following day.
Additionally, children who spend extended periods on screens tend to be more sedentary, which can contribute to obesity and weakened cardiovascular health. WHO emphasizes that children aged one to four need at least three hours of active play daily. Reducing screen time and encouraging physical activity can improve physical health, promote better sleep, and establish healthy routines.
3. Social and Emotional Development Challenges
Screen time can replace face-to-face interactions, which are essential for social and emotional development. Children need real-life interactions with family and peers to develop social skills and emotional regulation. WHO warns that excessive screen use can contribute to social isolation, decreased empathy, and challenges in understanding non-verbal cues.
By relying on screens, children may struggle in social situations, finding it difficult to communicate effectively or manage emotions. Engaging children in family activities, playdates, or group hobbies can offer opportunities to build strong social skills and improve emotional regulation.
4. Risk of Behavioral Issues
WHO’s research links high screen exposure, especially to overstimulating or violent content, with behavioral issues like hyperactivity, inattention, and aggression. Fast-paced or action-packed media can influence children to imitate aggressive behavior or become desensitized to the consequences of violence.
Heavy reliance on screens for entertainment can also decrease children’s ability to engage in slower-paced activities like reading or creative play, making them more impulsive and impatient. WHO recommends that parents monitor the content their children consume and encourage moderation in screen time to prevent potential behavioral effects.
5. Potential for Learning Delays
Excessive screen time may contribute to learning delays, according to WHO. Young children learn best through hands-on activities and face-to-face interactions, which help build vocabulary, language, and knowledge. When screen time replaces interactive activities like reading and outdoor play, children may experience delays in language acquisition and learning.
Studies show that language skills develop best through conversation and storytelling rather than passive screen use. For example, children are more likely to acquire new vocabulary when engaging with a parent or participating in interactive play.
