Exposure to high levels of screen time before the age of two may have significant long-term effects on brain development and mental health in children. A new study conducted by Assistant Professor Tan Ai Peng and her team at the A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine reveals that such early exposure is linked to slower decision-making and increased anxiety by the time these children reach their teenage years.
This research draws on data from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort, a comprehensive study that tracks the health and development of children in Singapore. The findings, published in 2023, highlight the potential risks associated with excessive screen time during critical developmental windows.
The study involved assessing a cohort of children who were monitored from birth through adolescence. Researchers measured screen time exposure, observing that those who engaged with screens for extended periods before the age of two exhibited noticeable alterations in brain structure and function. Specifically, these children showed delayed cognitive processing speeds, which manifested as slower decision-making abilities in later years.
In addition to cognitive changes, the study also identified a correlation between early screen exposure and increased levels of anxiety in adolescence. The implications of these findings are significant as they suggest that excessive screen time in infancy could contribute to heightened mental health challenges during teenage years, a period already fraught with emotional and social pressures.
As digital devices become increasingly prevalent, the question of how to manage screen time for the youngest members of society is critical. The World Health Organization has previously recommended limiting screen time for children under two years old, advising that they should not engage with screens for more than one hour per day. This study reinforces the importance of adhering to such guidelines and prompts further discussion on the role of technology in early childhood development.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to focus on interactive play and face-to-face communication rather than screen-based activities during the formative years. Engaging children in real-world experiences can foster essential cognitive and emotional skills, potentially mitigating the adverse effects identified in this study.
Moreover, as the digital landscape continues to evolve, ongoing research into the impacts of screen time on young children is essential. The findings from Tan Ai Peng’s team contribute to a growing body of evidence calling for more stringent guidelines and awareness around screen usage among infants and toddlers.
The research emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technology in early childhood, advocating for environments that promote healthy development and well-being. As society navigates the digital age, understanding the implications of early screen exposure will be crucial in shaping future generations.
