The hidden effects of screens on young children. The six developmental and health issues parents need to watch out for
The first five years of life are crucial for children's development, but the increasing exposure to screens raises great concerns among specialists. The authorities recommend limiting the time spent in front of digital devices, warning of negative effects on the health and development of children.
Screen time starts at a very young age. PHOTO: Shutterstock
Children under five should not spend more than an hour a day in front of screens, and children under two should avoid them almost entirely, except for video calls or interactive activities with their parents, notes The Sun.
Recent data shows a significant increase in the use of digital devices among young children. Almost one in 5 children between the ages of 3 and 5 already owns a mobile phone, and most use video platforms or watch content on various devices.
At the same time, the time spent in front of screens starts from a very young age: 9-month-old babies spend, on average, almost 30 minutes a day in front of screens, and by the age of 2 this time reaches more than two hours daily.
Speech problems and delayed development
Specialists warn that excessive exposure to screens can affect language development. Children who spend more time on phones or tablets start speaking later and have a smaller vocabulary.
A study shows that two-year-olds who use screens for up to five hours a day know significantly fewer words than those with limited screen time.
Tantrums and behavior problems
Although screens are often used to calm children, research suggests that this practice can have long-term effects.
Children who frequently use tablets or phones are more prone to tantrums and frustration. Fast, colorful and highly stimulating content can contribute to these behavioral problems.
Increased risk of obesity and diabetes
Another important effect is related to the sedentary lifestyle. Time spent in front of screens reduces physical activity, promoting weight gain.
Experts point out that childhood obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and other long-term health problems.
Vision and sleep problems
Prolonged exposure to screens can also affect children's vision, increasing the risk of myopia. In addition, the blue light emitted by the devices disrupts sleep, negatively influencing the natural rhythm of rest.
Difficulty concentrating
Experts warn that excessive use of screens, especially watching fast and fragmented content, can affect children's ability to concentrate.
Short, highly dynamic clips can overstimulate the brain, increasing the risk of attention problems.
Specialist recommendation
Experts recommend that parents limit the time children spend in front of screens and encourage activities essential for development: play, direct interaction and sleep.
“Screens become a problem when they replace sleep, exercise, family time or creative play,” experts warn.
