Young children’s exposure to electronic screens

Early childhood is a period of continuous and rapid development. It’s also a time when children start to construct their identity and to develop healthy or unhealthy habits and behaviours.

The World Health Organization has reported that children under 12 months shouldn’t be exposed to electronic screens at all and children between 2 and 4 years old shouldn’t spend more than 1 hour per day in front of a screen. Parents were advised to make sure young children move and get enough exercise, as well as get enough rest and sleep. Limiting screen time for children under the age of 5 will also result in healthier adults.

Research has shown that early exposure to electronic screens is associated with lower structural integrity in the areas of children’s brain that are linked to language, communication and literacy functioning. Keep in mind that language and social skills’ acquisition depends upon interactions with parents and others. This is why it’s important for young children to have face-to-face interactions.

Children also need to learn how to manage their emotions; how to develop their problem-solving, self-observation and self-reflection skills. When spending time observing screens, children don’t have the opportunity to learn and to practise these skills. They don’t have the opportunity to practise physical skills such as climbing and running either.

A healthy and balanced lifestyle is acquired over time and starts at birth. Don’t wait to be in your twenties or thirties to start to work on yourself.

In the United Kingdom, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) published some guidance and advise parents to reflect on: whether screen time in their household is controlled; are parents able to control snaking during screen time; think about whether screen time interferes with sleep and family activities. If parents are satisfied with the answers of these questions, then things are okay, but if not, they need to make some improvements.

The RCPCH also gives some tips on cutting back, such as schedule media-free family time and media-free locations at home. Parents and adults should also reconsider their own use of screens as children tend to repeat what they see. In addition, children shouldn’t be exposed to screens for an hour before bed to allow their brains to have time to wind down for sleep.

If you like this article, you might be also interested in knowing how to increase your child’s emotional intelligence. Please click here. You might also wish to know more about effective parenting. Please click here.

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With warm wishes,

Dr Ivanka Ezhova

Founder of Angel Psychological Therapy - Online Psychological Therapy