A recent study has highlighted the negative impact of excessive screen time on the development of toddlers, particularly those aged two to five, the Telegraph reports.
The research, which followed over 6,000 children from ages two to eight, found that children who spent more than 90 minutes a day on screens had lower vocabulary, communication, writing, and numeracy skills by the age of four and eight. These children were also more likely to exhibit behavioral problems and weaker social skills, including playing alone or having difficulty sharing.
The study, conducted by academics at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, focused on the recommended screen time limits for toddlers. According to health guidelines, children under two should have no screen time, while children aged two to five should have a maximum of one hour per day. However, the research found that many children exceed these recommendations. In fact, most two-year-olds in the UK spend over two hours a day engaging with digital screens, with one in five owning a smartphone by the time they turn two.
The study revealed a clear connection between screen time and developmental outcomes. Children who exceeded the recommended screen time limits had worse educational outcomes, lower language skills, and were more likely to be socially isolated. By the time they reached age eight, children with more than 90 minutes of screen time daily were often in the bottom third of their class educationally, compared to those who spent less time on screens, who performed better academically.
The findings also showed that screen time had a significant impact on children’s social skills. Children with excessive screen exposure were more likely to have “peer problems,” including difficulties in making friends and being less liked by their peers. On the other hand, children who adhered to the recommended screen time guidelines had better social interactions and were more likely to share toys and engage with others.
Beyond educational and social effects, the study also addressed the health risks associated with high screen time. Increased screen exposure often leads to more sedentary behavior, which can contribute to higher rates of obesity, illness, and more frequent doctor visits. The researchers emphasized that reducing screen time could improve both children’s health and educational outcomes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no screen time for children under the age of two and less than one hour per day for children aged two to five. Despite these guidelines, many children are engaging with digital screens for much longer, with up to 80 percent of two-year-olds and 95 percent of three-year-olds exceeding these limits globally.
While the UK’s Online Safety Act focuses on protecting children from harmful online content, it does not specifically address the issue of screen time duration. In response to concerns, tech companies have introduced features like alerts and algorithms to help limit children’s time spent online.
