Study Finds Babies’ Development Delayed with Increased Screen Time

The Impact of Screen Time on Infant Development

A groundbreaking study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics reveals that one-year-olds who are exposed to more than four hours of screen time per day may experience developmental delays in communication and problem-solving skills by the age of 2 and 4.

Additionally, the research suggests that infants who have higher screen time compared to their peers may also show delays in fine motor, personal, and social skills at the age of 2; however, these delays seem to diminish by the age of 4.

While the study does not establish a direct causation between screen time and developmental delays, it highlights a correlation between increased screen exposure and hindered development. Experts argue that this correlation can be explained by the importance of face-to-face interaction for young children.

The Vital Role of Face-to-Face Interaction

David J. Lewkowicz, a developmental psychologist at the Yale Child Study Center, emphasizes the crucial role of face-to-face interaction between parents and babies. He explains that this interaction provides infants with a rich array of information, including language, meaning, facial expressions, tone of voice, and physical feedback.

Lewkowicz asserts that these valuable experiences cannot be acquired through screen-based interactions, and it comes as no surprise that the research findings support this perspective.

The study, conducted by scholars in Japan, gathered data from nearly 8,000 parents through questionnaires about their children’s development and screen time. It reveals that greater exposure to screens is more common among first-time mothers who are younger, have lower incomes and education levels, and may be experiencing postpartum depression. (Only 4 percent of babies had four or more hours of screen time, while 18 percent had two to less than four hours, and the majority had less than two hours.)

Furthermore, the study highlights a “dose-response association” between screen time and developmental delays, indicating that the more screen time infants receive, the higher their chances of experiencing delays in development.

Exploring Educational vs. Entertainment Screen Time

The study’s authors emphasize the need for future research to distinguish between screen time intended for educational purposes and screen time focused on entertainment. Understanding this distinction could shed further light on the effects of different types of screen exposure on infant development.

Dr. Lewkowicz advises parents on the appropriate amount of screen time for their children. He suggests prioritizing face-to-face communication as much as possible, while acknowledging the impracticality of completely withholding screen time. He encourages moderation and a healthy balance of real-life social interaction.