Increased screentime in small children negatively impacts physical and mental development
A rather disturbing systematic analysis was just completed analyzing the impact of screentime on the physical and mental development of small children under age 2, and the findings should be taken very seriously by all parents. The study found that increased screentime in the first 2 years of life was associated with the following:
Weakened physical and social development
Delayed development, measurable years later
Increased autism spectrum disorder type behaviors
Negative impact on sleep
Increased adiposity in later childhood
As a parent myself I recall how easy it was to place a screen (phone, tablet, television) in front of my child for easy distraction so I could get something done. I witness almost daily in clinic and Urgent Care my patients using phones to distract children while I am taking a history or performing an examination. I understand the temptation. This situation is yet another prime example of the old adage that “the simple solution is not always the best one”. My personal opinion (not yet backed up by research) is that the apps that allow rapid scrolling, or show rapid, repetitive movements, action, lights and sounds may be the most concerning— these should be avoided. I can honestly say, with some degree of sadness, that I cannot recall the last time I saw a child with a book in the clinic or Urgent Care, though we do often give these out as small gifts during our well child checks. Parents— please consider giving your child an engaging book (age appropriate, of course), or perhaps some sort of puzzle or toy next time, instead of the electronic screen— you could be doing great things for your child’s mind and development!
