How screen time negatively affects children

Digital media has become embedded in the daily lives of children. While technology can offer educational and social benefits, excessive screen time can interfere with healthy brain development.

While there is little evidence that screens benefit the development of children under five, 40% already own their own tablet by the age of 2. Among older kids, around 1 in 4 use their smartphones in ways that resemble behavioural addiction, with some using screens for up to 9 hours a day.

Professional guidelines recommend these daily screen time limits and safety measures:

Neurodevelopmental impacts

The first five years of life are a critical period for neurodevelopment, during which children form foundational skills in language, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. Excessive screen use has been associated with atypical brain development, with children often exhibiting symptoms resembling ADHD and autism.

Children with existing neurodevelopmental conditions may be particularly vulnerable to risks related to high screen exposure. For these children, digital media should be used with increased caution and under professional guidance.

Importantly, parents need to be mindful of their own screen-use when around their children. Frequent mobile phone use around infants can elicit physiological stress responses and disrupt parent-child bonding. Parents should also be mindful of the type of media they directly or indirectly expose their children to and whether it is age appropriate.

Speech and language development

Speech and language acquisition is highly dependent on reciprocal, real-time interaction. Passive screen exposure lacks the dynamic response necessary for robust linguistic development. Studies consistently link increased screen time with delayed language acquisition, reduced vocabulary and poorer communication skills.

These developmental gaps can have long-term implications, often associated with increased risk of mental health difficulties, lower literacy and numeracy, and reduced employment prospects in adulthood.

Social and emotional development

While digital platforms facilitate social connection, they cannot replicate the depth and quality of in-person interactions. High screen use reduces opportunities for meaningful parent-child bonding, which is essential for emotional development.

Children who spend more time on screens may struggle with regulating their emotions and building interpersonal skills. These challenges can present in reduced social confidence, and difficulty forming secure relationships.

Many parents use screens as digital dummies to comfort their young children, which can actually worsen children’s distress and self-regulation in the long term. 

Sleep hygiene

Screen use, particularly in the evening, has a well-documented impact on sleep quality. Exposure to blue light suppresses melatonin production, delaying sleep onset and reducing sleep duration and quality. Poor sleep hygiene is associated with low cognitive functioning, emotional instability, and behavioural difficulties.

Children who use screens before bed are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression. They are also at a greater risk of being exposed to mature or inappropriate media.

Tips for parents and caregivers:

·       Model healthy screen habits

·       Remove screens from bedrooms

·       Encourage outdoor play and physical activity

·       Avoid using screens to manage behaviour – offer alternatives such as books or puzzles

·       Establish screen-free routines, such as during meals or mornings

·       Turn on parental controls for website content, apps and social media

Done reading? Why not have a screen-free break?