Growing Up Digital and the Implications of Screen Use

"In our technology-driven world, digital devices and screen media are integral to early childhood experiences. While these tools offer potential benefits, they also present challenges that can affect a child's physical and emotional development. Research from both the U.S. and internationally suggests that certain aspects of children's screen time are linked to negative outcomes in behavior, cognition, sleep, and overall health for kids under six years old ( Li and colleagues, 2020)."

"In light of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that caregivers limit screen time to just one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5. They also encourage shared media experiences ( co-use), prioritizing high-quality educational content, and avoiding screen usage before bedtime or as a means of calming children (AAP Council on Communications and Media, 2016). However, understanding the relationship between screen media use and the development of young children is complex."

"Some theories suggest that screen time may detract from enriching interactions and activities, limiting opportunities for children to develop self-regulation and self-soothing skills. This " displacement hypothesis" proposes that increased screen time could lead to more behavioral issues ( Hornik, 1981). It is also possible that screen media use and children's behavior are interconnected in both directions ( Radesky and colleagues, 2023)."

Digital devices and screen media are integral to early childhood experiences and can offer benefits but also present challenges to physical and emotional development. Studies in the U.S. and internationally link certain aspects of children's screen time to negative outcomes in behavior, cognition, sleep, and overall health for children under six. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time to one hour daily for ages 2–5, encouraging co-use, prioritizing high-quality educational content, and avoiding screens before bedtime or for calming. The displacement hypothesis suggests screens can reduce enriching interactions and self-regulation development. Screen use and child behavior can be bidirectionally linked, with externalizing behaviors increasing screen exposure and caregivers sometimes using screens to manage behavior.

Read at Psychology Today