The Impact of Screen Time on Childhood Development: What Parents Need to Know
by Anne Ueberbach
Assistant Director / Counsellor
Screens are an integral part of our daily lives. From smartphones and tablets to TVs and computers, it's hard to imagine a world without them. However, as our reliance on screens grows, so do concerns about their impact on our health and wellbeing, particularly for our children. Recent research highlights the importance of finding a balance between screen time and other activities that promote healthy development.
In Singapore, a substantial proportion of young children are regularly exposed to digital media. Research indicates that around 90% of children between 18 and 24 months old engage in daily screen time, often passively. By the age of two, Singaporean children spend an average of approximately 2.4 hours per day watching screens, including TV and handheld devices, as per findings from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Screen Time Guilt
Giving your toddler screen time, especially as a way to cope with the responsibilities and stress of being a parent, is often followed by parental guilt. Many parents feel like they're constantly walking a tightrope, balancing the benefits of technology with the potential risks of excessive screen time. They're bombarded with conflicting messages - on one hand, screens can be valuable educational tools, but on the other hand, they're warned about the dangers of screen addiction, social isolation, and delayed development. As a result, parents may feel like they're failing their children, or that they're somehow "poisoning" them with screens, or that they’re not good parents. This guilt can lead to anxiety and stress, making it even harder for parents to make informed decisions about screen time.
By acknowledging these feelings and seeking out evidence-based guidance (with a qualified parenting coach or counsellor), parents can work to find a balance that works for their family, and alleviate some of the guilt that comes with navigating the complex world of screen time.
The Risks of Excessive Screen Time
Studies have shown that too much screen time can have negative effects on children's physical and mental health. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, excessive screen time is linked to:
Obesity and decreased physical activity
Sleep problems and fatigue
Social isolation and decreased face-to-face interaction
Decreased attention span and increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Moreover, research from the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) reveals that excessive screen time can lead to a range of cognitive and emotional problems, including:
Delayed cognitive development
Increased risk of anxiety and depression
Exposure to cyberbullying and online harassment
Decreased empathy and social skills
The Impact on Language Development
A recent study from the University of Adelaide highlights the impact of screen time on language development in toddlers. The research found that excessive screen time can replace vital language opportunities, leading to delayed language development and reduced vocabulary. As the study's findings suggest, excessive screen time can have long-term consequences for children's language skills and cognitive development.
Finding Balance in a Digital World
Because children today are growing up in a time of highly personalized media use experiences, parents must develop personalized media use plans for their children. Media plans should take into account each child’s age, health, personality, and developmental stage.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screen time limits for different age groups:
Infants (0-18 months): No screen time except for video chatting with loved ones. At this stage, babies learn best through face-to-face interaction and hands-on exploration
Toddlers (18-24 months): Limited to some high-quality educational content with caregiver guidance
Preschoolers (2-5 years): Limit screen time to 1 hour of high-quality educational programming per day
School-age children (6-12 years): Limit recreational screen time to 2 hours per day
Teenagers (13-18 years): Place limits on screen time, making sure that it does not interfere with physical activity, sleep, and other activities
In addition to setting screen time limits, what else can parents do to promote healthy screen use habits in their children? Here are some strategies:
Set limits: Establish screen-free zones and times, such as during meals or before bed
Encourage physical activity: Engage in outdoor activities, sports, or dance classes to promote physical health and wellbeing
Monitor content: Ensure that screen time is spent on high-quality, educational content that promotes learning and development
Model healthy behavior: Parents can model healthy screen use habits by limiting their own screen time and engaging in other activities
Is All Screen Time bad?
When used thoughtfully, screen time can be a valuable tool for toddlers, children and teens, offering a range of educational and developmental benefits. High-quality, interactive content can help young children learn new skills, such as language, literacy, and numeracy, while also promoting creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Educational apps, videos, and games can be designed to engage children in active learning, encouraging them to participate and explore.
However, it’s not recommended for toddlers to use educational screen time independently. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that children under the age of 2 years should have no solo screen time, except for video chatting. For toddlers aged 2-5 years, the AAP recommends co-viewing with a parent or caregiver to help them understand and apply what they learn. Basically, adult involvement is essential to ensure that screen time is a positive and educational experience for toddlers.
Co-viewing and guidance from an adult can:
Help children understand and contextualize the content
Enhance learning and retention
Reduce potential negative effects of screen time
Encourage critical thinking and questioning
Conclusion
While screens are an inevitable part of modern life, it's crucial to be aware of the risks associated with excessive screen time, especially for our little ones. By setting limits, encouraging physical activity, and promoting healthy screen use habits, parents can help their children navigate the digital world in a way that supports their overall health and wellbeing. By finding balance, we can ensure that screens enhance our lives without controlling them.
But it doesn’t stop there! As an adult, you should also be mindful of your own screen time and digital dependence. Read more about the impact of screens on your wellbeing and how to manage them on our blog!
· How to Find Calm in a Constantly Connected Digital World
· Phone Addiction - Why You Should Unplug!
About the author
Anne is a a compassionate and experienced counsellor at The Counselling Place Singapore, who empowers her clients to thrive amidst life's challenges. Her expertise across Singapore and Australia spans mental health, career coaching, and multicultural dynamics, informed by her own expat experience and diverse family background.
Anne creates a warm and non-judgmental space for growth and transformation. Her empathetic approach supports individuals, families, and expats navigating life's challenges and transitions