In a world dominated by technology and screens, even the youngest children often cannot be kept away from electronic devices. But how does the excessive use of cell phones, tablets, etc. and thus screen time affect the development of children?

A study from Japan sheds light on this question. It highlights connections that should make parents, educators and health experts alike sit up and take notice. In the midst of digitalization, the question arises: How much screen time is too much?

The research results in detail

  • Too much cell phone time, less development:
    The study “Screen Time at Age 1 Year and Communication and Problem-Solving Developmental Delay at 2 and 4 Years” from Japan, recently published in the journal “JAMA Pediatrics,” vividly illustrates how excessive screen time affects development of children under one year of age. The study “Global Prevalence of Meeting Screen Time Guidelines Among Children 5 Years and Younger” shows that regular exposure to the television, tablet or cell phone at this tender age can lead to significant developmental delays.
    Children who are exposed to intense screen exposure at an early age have poorer gross and fine motor skills, are slower to complete simple tasks, and show less overall skill when playing.
  • Communication and screen time:
    But it's not just motor skills that are affected. Children who spend too much time in front of the screen also show communication deficits. They speak less and later have difficulty communicating appropriately. Reluctance to communicate due to the screen can have long-term effects on social interaction and relationship building.
  • The Role of Screen Content:
    Not all screen time is created equal. The study highlights that the content children are exposed to can make a big difference. While long periods of screen time are generally associated with poorer language development, research shows that educational programs designed specifically for children can actually have positive effects. These programs can help promote language skills and thereby offset the negative effects of screen time.

Screen Time in Reality:

  • Between recommendations and reality:
    The World Health Organization (WHO) makes clear recommendations: Children under the age of four should sit in front of the screen for less than an hour a day.
    Children under one year old should not be in front of a screen at all. But reality looks different. A comprehensive study last year showed that only one in four children under the age of two spends no time in front of a screen at all. And among children aged two to five, only a third do not exceed the recommended hour.
  • Challenge in the digital age:
    In a time when electronic devices are omnipresent, it is becoming increasingly difficult for parents to completely banish them from their children's lives. The experts therefore recommend keeping screen time as limited as possible. At the same time, they also emphasize that targeted educational programs for children in dealing with screens can have positive effects. The balance between time in front of the screen and education becomes a new challenge in education.

Conclusion

The impact of excessive screen time on children's development is starkly demonstrated by research from Japan. While the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) set clear limits, the reality shows that many children come into intensive contact with electronic devices from a very young age.

The challenge is finding the right balance between screen time and education. Parents and educational professionals are required to make conscious decisions in order to support children in the best possible way. We must keep the needs of the youngest generation in mind and promote responsible use of technology, as the digital age advances inexorably.

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )