In today’s digital world, children’s screen time has become a common aspect of their daily routines, raising critical questions about the potential effects on their cognitive development and social behavior. Excessive screen time negatively impacts children’s brains, it affects their attention, language, and even their social skills, potentially causing behavioral issues and emotional disturbances. According to Common Sense Media, about all children under the age of 8 have their own tablet, and spend around 2 hours on it every day. And 1-year-olds, who were exposed to more than 4 hours of screen time, showed delays in communication and problem-solving as they grew older. According to “What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Children’s Brains?” by Dr. Jennifer Cross, she states, “There is emerging evidence that there may be some structural brain changes associated with greater exposure to screen time as a young child.” This evidence indicates that extended screen use, especially at critical developmental stages, may impact the brain’s structure, resulting in significant changes to certain brain regions and neural connections. When young children spend most of their time on electronic devices grow reliant on the satisfaction and engaging attraction of these devices, and often find it difficult to switch to non-electronic activities. In order to counteract the potential limitations imposed by excessive screen time, it is essential to promote social interactions with peers, encourage outdoor exploration for physical development, and encourage engagement with traditional toys to stimulate creativity. This will help to ensure that young children have a well-rounded developmental experience. So, what age is appropriate to introduce screens? Many experts recommend that children under the ages of 18-24 months, should avoid screen time with the exception of video chatting with family members. And children between the ages of 2 to 5 years old, it suggested having an average of 1 to 2 hours of screen time, focusing on educational and fun content so the child can actively engage in them and learn from it. I believe that a balanced approach to screen time and a variety of activities that engage the imagination, physical activity, and social interaction are crucial for children.

Dr. Jennifer Cross. What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Children’s Brains? Health Matters – NewYork-Presbyterian. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/