In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere and are part of our daily routine. Children are exposed to screens at a very young age, and they spend more time glued to screens than ever before.

With the increased use of technology, parents have become concerned about the impact of screens on their children’s brains. It is essential to examine how screens affect children’s brains and their overall health.

The Brain Development of Children

The human brain is not fully developed at birth but continues to develop throughout childhood. The first five years of life are crucial in shaping a child’s brain.

During this period, the brain has more than one million new neural connections every second, and experiences in the environment shape these connections. As children grow, the development of parts of the brain responsible for attention, memory, and language continues to develop.

Screens have become a ubiquitous part of society, and children are exposed to them at an early age.

In the past, technologies such as television or video games were only a part of a child’s entertainment for a limited time, but with the arrival of smartphones, tablets, and computers, screens have become a dominant feature of children’s daily life.

How screens alter a child’s brain development

There is no denying that screens provide an array of benefits, such as facilitating learning, improving communication, and providing entertainment.

However, there is also extensive research that shows that excessive exposure to screens can alter children’s brain development and negatively affect their overall health and wellbeing.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines include children under the age of 18 months should avoid screens altogether, and those that are two years or older should limit their screen time to one hour per day.

This is due to the effects of screen time on the developing brain.

Short-term effects of screens on children’s brain

When a child is exposed to screens, it is like a “hypnotic” experience that can hijack their attention and interfere with their ability to concentrate.

According to a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, the constant stimulation from screens can cause children’s brain activity to be overstimulated and increase cortisol or stress hormone levels. This can lead to children having difficulty sleeping, attention-deficit, and behavioral problems.

Moreover, screens emit blue light, which can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

If children are exposed to screens before bedtime, they have difficulty falling asleep, and this can lead to disturbances in their sleep patterns.

Effects of screens on brain structure

The constant exposure to screens can also alter the structure of the brain, affecting the white matter’s development. White matter is crucial as it is responsible for transmitting signals between different areas of the brain.

A study conducted by the University of Calgary found that children who spent more than two hours per day on screen time have lower white matter integrity than those who did not. The study also found that those who regularly engage in physical activity had better white matter integrity, which shows the importance of being active and reducing screen time.

Research has shown that the prefrontal cortex, involved in self-regulation and decision-making, is less developed in children who spend more time in front of screens.

Additionally, screen time can shrink the gray matter responsible for language, memory, and critical thinking, which can affect academic performance.

Long-term effects of screens on children’s cognitive development

Long-term exposure to screens can significantly impact children’s cognitive as well as physical development.

One study conducted by the University of Montreal found that children who spent more time in front of screens had lower cognitive ability scores than those who did not. The study also found that the longer the screen time, the lower the cognitive ability score.

Excessive screen use can lead to difficulties in problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making, which are essential skills in academic, personal, and professional life.

Recommendations for reducing the negative impact of screens on children’s brains

While screens are a part of life, it is important to reduce the negative impact they have on children’s brains. Here are some recommendations for parents to limit screen time exposure to reduce the negative effects on brain development:.

Schedule screen time and ensure they don’t interfere with sleep and other well-being activities.
Encourage physical activity, playing, and reading as alternate forms of entertainment.
Filter the content your child has access to, ensuring it is age-appropriate.
Ensure your children take regular screen breaks, and they do not exceed the recommended screen time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, screens’ excessive use can significantly impact a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

To ensure children’s overall well-being, it is essential to reduce screen time exposure and encourage alternate forms of entertainment and activity. Children’s brains are still developing, and it is essential to minimize the negative impact of screens so they can grow up healthy, active, and capable.