What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Toddlers?

What Point Is It Too Much?

No infant under the age of 18 months should be exposed to any form of screen media. Video conferencing with grandparents or other family friends is an exemption because it is considered great time spent socialising.

When supervised by an adult, infants and toddlers between the ages of 18 and 24 months can begin to experience the benefits of screen time. Children between the ages of 2 and 3 should not be exposed to more than 1 hour of screen time per day.

However, not every minute spent in front of the screen is the same.

Using a tablet to play an educational game with your child, such as one that teaches colours and shapes, or watching an educational show together are examples of beneficial screen time.

If you have a toddler, you should avoid doing things like plopping them down in front of the TV to watch your favourite shows with you.

Put your child's screen time to good use by engaging in meaningful conversation and teaching him or her about the world. Don't leave your kid in front of the TV or computer all by themselves.

What Reasons Is Too Much Time Spent in Front of a Screen Harmful?

One-quarter to one-third of school-aged children have some form of developmental delay or deficit, such as trouble communicating or understanding language, difficulties with motor skills, or emotional debt, according to scientific literature.

One of the most important risk factors that can potentially hinder children's early developing processes is excessive screen time.

A child's academic progress may be hampered by the effects of developmental delays on the learning process.

Children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, should have no more than one hour of daily screen use. Also, it's best to limit or eliminate screen time for infants and toddlers under 18 months of age.

But in the United States, nearly all children under the age of eight spend more than two hours a day in front of electronic media.

Children who spend more than 2 hours a day in front of screens have poorer levels of thinking/reasoning power and language processing skills, according to a recent study by the National Institutes of Health.

What's more, the study shows that kids who stare at screens for more than 7 hours a day experience a shrinking of the brain region (cortex) responsible for reasoning and critical thinking.

A similar finding was made in a research of 2441 children aged 2-5 years, which revealed that excessive screen usage in children aged 2-3 years is associated with poor performance in developmental screening tests.

Multiple factors, including socioeconomic position, maternal depression, children's sleep habits, children's gender, children's exposure to reading, and children's levels of physical activity, all affect children's screen time and the quality of their academic and behavioural outcomes, the study showed.

How Does Time Spent in Front of a Screen Influence a Kid's Growth and Development?

Children under the age of three, in particular, undergo fast changes in their bodies, emotions, and minds. Children, and especially their parents, are excellent sources of information because they teach by example.

Young people who spend too much time in front of screens may develop narrower interests in subjects and information outside of what they see on screen.

A child who spends a lot of time in front of a computer is less likely to spend time engaging in healthy activities like playing outside or socialising with peers. A child's development and growth may be negatively affected as a result of this.

Consequences of Verbal Communication

We know that a youngster picks up linguistic skills via observing and engaging with adults, whether it's through conversation or play.

A two-way dialogue with an adult, which includes facial expressions and emotional input, is considerably more advantageous for a child's language development than a child's one-way interaction with a screen.

Studies have shown that youngsters who spend the most time glued to screens have a harder time focusing on what they're reading and have a more difficult time learning new material.

Impacts of Sleep

Importantly, blue light from screens can prevent the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep.

A child's mental growth may suffer as a result of this. Infants between the ages of 6 and 12 months who spend a lot of time in front of screens in the evening may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night.

To what extent may children's exposure to screens disrupt their sleep?

Sunset triggers human melatonin production, the sleep hormone responsible for our circadian rhythms. However, melatonin production is delayed by the blue light emitted by electronic devices.

The stimulation and activity of TV and video games also prevents us from falling asleep quickly. (Since the screen of a tablet or smartphone is closer to the face, it has a more suppressive effect on melatonin than a television does.)

One study found that infants 6-12 months old who were exposed to screens in the evening slept much less than infants who were not exposed to screens in the evening.

Screens should be avoided in the bedroom if you want your preteen or teen to get a good night's rest.

Lack of sleep and excessive time spent on social media might have negative effects on academic performance.

Obesity, low self-esteem, and social isolation can all be a result of too much time spent in front of a screen, and too little sleep can have the same effect.

Feelings Affected

A child's emotional behaviours might be affected in a variety of ways by excessive screen usage. Their ability to think creatively and be motivated can be stunted by an overabundance of screen time. Children's irritation, anxiety, and impulsive behaviours can develop as a result of the high screen addiction that prevents them from being delighted by nearby people.

Children who spend too much time in front of screens may also have difficulty developing empathy because they may become less adept at reading the emotions on others' faces and mastering social skills.

When reading a book, a youngster has time to reflect on what they've read and figure out what the words and pictures mean.

A child's focus and attention span can be badly impacted by watching movies or graphics that are constantly changing.

Issues with Behavior

Young children who spend more than two hours a day in front of a screen are more likely to develop behavioural, emotional, and cognitive issues as they progress through elementary school.

Conflicts in the Classroom

Youth in elementary school who have televisions in their rooms perform lower on standardised tests.

Obesity

Spending too much time sitting still, like while watching TV or playing video games, might increase the likelihood that you will gain weight.

Violence

Children might get desensitised to violent media when they regularly consume it in the form of television shows, movies, music, and video games. Eventually, they might start imitating TV violence as a means of problem-solving.

Technology Can Have a Negative Impact on Family Life.

The risks of excessive screen time are mostly discussed in relation to youngsters. However, it is critical to acknowledge that many of the same negative impacts, such as obesity and sleep issues, may also affect adults.

But even if your digital gadget use isn't causing serious health issues, it may be negatively impacting your interactions with your child.

One-third of children in a 2015 survey said they felt unimportant when their parents stared at their phones during family meals or activities.

Your youngster may see even a brief text message response as a sign that you value your phone more than he does.

Your child's growth and mental health may suffer if you provide care that is frequently interrupted by your smartphone use.

According to research published in 2016, parents who allow their children to spend too much time on electronic gadgets may be contributing to the rise of mental health issues like depression in their offspring.

How Does Time Spent in Front of a Screen Affect a Kid’s Capacity to Learn?

Studies suggest that infants under the age of two learn less from a video than they do from a live teacher or tutor, and it seems that while children will start watching TV as early as six months, absorbing the content typically does not occur until beyond the age of two.

They might be entertained, but they aren't picking up anything useful from what they see on screen.

Between the ages of 2 and 3, a child's linguistic capacity grows at an astounding rate. Conversations and games with adults have been demonstrated to be particularly effective in helping children acquire language.

Evidence suggests that kids who spend too much time in front of the tube struggle more in school and may have focus problems.

What Ways Does Time Spent in Front of Screens Influence One’s Ability to Express Oneself Effectively?

Communicating with kids in an interactive, back-and-forth discussion has been shown to have profound effects on their linguistic and social development.

The development of a child's language and communication skills is facilitated by "conversation" between two people, including the exchange of facial expressions and a response to the other person, rather than "passive" listening or one-way engagement with a screen.

When Is the Right Time to Start Using Screens with Children?

Except for family video chats, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to limit their young children's exposure to screens until they are at least 18 to 24 months old.

Children between the ages of two and five should watch no more than an hour of high-quality programming every day, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (think Sesame Street or PBS).

It's helpful to have a young child occupied and entertained so that adults may get some chores done around the house.

Instead of handing their child a tablet or phone, we recommend turning on a brief TV show like Sesame Street, which is both educational and entertaining, and features characters conversing and playing together to model strong social skills.

And it's ideal if you can watch the educational shows with the kid so you can talk to them about what they're learning.

How potentially addictive are electronic screens for kids?

The trouble with smartphones is that they're incredibly enticing, and we all know how simple it is to waste time online. Additionally, they are easily transportable and pervasive, making us dependent on them.

Children as young as two or three, who don't have any awareness of these risks, acquire accustomed to using a phone or tablet from an early age if they've been exposed to them from birth, and they'll want to do more of it as they get older.

Also, we need to be wary of using screens as a crutch for keeping kids from having to think critically and problem-solve, rather than encouraging them to do it on their own.

A parent's soothing presence, coupled with a familiar tune, can do wonders for a child who has just scraped their knee while playing.

Even though it may be an easy solution in the moment, distracting young children who are having problems sharing a toy with another child with screen time will not teach them to share and take turns in the long run.

Can You Say That There Aren't Any Decent Screens?

Due of its stationary nature and ease of regulation, television has evolved from its negative reputation.

Because of their portability, tablets and smartphones greatly increase accessibility. They are convenient since you may use them whenever and wherever you like.

Overall, we think YouTube is inappropriate for kids under 13. When given free reign, youngsters are typically more adept than their parents at discovering their prefered videos, which often lead to other videos that link to other videos.

The site's lack of moderation means that youngsters are exposed to content that is, at best, uninspiring and, at worst, potentially harmful.

If a parent is serious about discovering age-appropriate and educational programming, they should sit down and watch with their child.

If Parents Want Their Kids to Have a Healthier Relationship With Media, How Can They Set Limits?

There are concrete ways to limit a child's exposure to electronic media. It is recommended that parents watch television with their children and talk to them about what they see, especially in situations where screen time is inevitable.

This way, kids may get the benefits of both screen time and in-person contact.

Choose Your Media Consumption Sensibly.

Some high-quality educational programmes, as well as interactive media, have been shown to be helpful in studies for boosting the intellectual skills of preschool children.

A good rule of thumb is to divide your time evenly between online and offline activities. There is a wide selection of baby toys available at My Baby Nursery.

Family time, as well as eating and sleep times, should be screen-free zones.

Because kids will do what they see their parents doing, it's important for adults to limit their own screen time.

Try to Coordinate Your Watching Times With a Friend.

The greatest way to ensure your child gets the most out of his or her screen time is to sit down and enjoy it with them. If a character on a show is singing a song, join in and discuss what's occuring in the story. After the presentation is complete, continue to interact with them and repeat key topics to help them stick in their minds.

Pick your sources of information carefully.

To help you find the greatest applications, games, and activities for your kids of a certain age, look to review websites.

Disconnect From Screens at Bedtime, Meals, and Family Gatherings.

Except for really long travels, screen usage in the car should be strictly limited, and a family screen-free period should be established.

Maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities is crucial.

Cut Down on Your Phone Time.

Children often mimic their parents' behaviours. The individuals who raise a child are the ones they look up to the most, so naturally they will mimic their actions.

When kids see you glued to a screen for hours on end, they'll assume it's normal and try it for themselves.

Stress the Importance of Getting Enough Shut-Eye, Eating Right, and Staying Active.

For both children and adults, all three are crucial to achieving and maintaining good health and mental well-being.

All three can be adversely affected by spending too much time in front of a screen. Research has found that kids who spend more time in front of screens tend to make unhealthy lifestyle choices like eating more processed foods and less produce, as well as getting less sleep and physical activity.

Because of this, it is crucial to make healthy lifestyle choices a regular part of one's routine and to reduce screen time.

Advice for Spending Time in Front of the Screen

Set a good example, put restrictions in place, and have open discussions with your child about screen time; these are just as important as they are for anything else in parenting.

Maximize the benefits of your toddler's screen time by

• Join young children in their screen time and play with them. One way to do this is to engage in an age-appropriate activity, such as playing an educational game or watching a film together and discussing it.
• Take the time to do some homework before buying a game or app for your kid. There are many of apps and games out there, all of which promise to be educational. Try looking up recommendations from professionals like teachers and doctors online.
• Make sure your kid has enough of downtime every day. Young children need daily opportunities for unstructured play away from screens in order to develop their creativity. It's important to put away the screens and spend time talking to your kid around mealtimes and before bed.

Technology-Based Family Regulations

Nobody wins when you tell your kid to switch off his video games while you're both watching TV. You should limit your own and your child's screen time to keep it within healthy parameters.

You may want to implement the following guidelines in your home to limit the amount of time spent in front of electronic devices:

• All electronic gadgets must be turned off at the table.
• At the family game night, phones and tablets are put away.
• Avoid using electronic devices while driving.
• In the bedroom, electronic devices are forbidden.

Finally, it's a good idea to periodically disconnect as a family from technology.

Here at My Baby Nursery, we have a variety of safe and secure play yards for your infant.

Make a point of disconnecting from technology once a week, or at least once a month on the weekend. It might be good for your family's psychological and physiological well-being and bonding.

Conclusion

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to restrict their young children's screen usage, but it can be challenging to protect them from exposure to electronic media such as TVs, tablets, laptops, smartphones, and video games. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child's development and growth, as it can lead to a shrinking of the brain region responsible for reasoning and critical thinking. Excessive screen usage can have negative effects on children's mental growth, sleep, emotional behaviours, academic performance, and social isolation. Excessive screen time can have negative impacts on children, such as behavioral, emotional, and cognitive issues, conflicts in the classroom, obesity, violence, and mental health issues. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to limit their young children's exposure to screens until they are at least 18 to 24 months old, and to watch no more than an hour of high-quality programming every day.

Parents should set limits on their children's exposure to electronic media and choose their media consumption sensibly. They should also try to coordinate their watching times with a friend. Set a good example, put restrictions in place, and have open discussions with your child about screen time to maximize the benefits. Limit screen time, engage in age-appropriate activities, do homework before buying, make sure kids have enough downtime, avoid using electronic devices while driving, and periodically disconnect from technology.

Content Summary

1. Parents often express concern that their toddler is spending too much time in front of a screen.
2. Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to restrict their young children's screen usage.
3. Put your child's screen time to good use by engaging in meaningful conversation and teaching him or her about the world.
4. One of the most important risk factors that can potentially hinder children's early developing processes is excessive screen time.
5. A child's academic progress may be hampered by the effects of developmental delays on the learning process.
6. But in the United States, nearly all children under the age of eight spend more than two hours a day in front of electronic media.
7. Children who spend more than 2 hours a day in front of screens have poorer levels of thinking/reasoning power and language processing skills, according to a recent study by the National Institutes of Health.
8. A two-way dialogue with an adult, which includes facial expressions and emotional input, is considerably more advantageous for a child's language development than a child's one-way interaction with a screen.
9. Impacts of SleepImportantly, blue light from screens can prevent the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep.
10. Infants between the ages of 6 and 12 months who spend a lot of time in front of screens in the evening may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night.
11. However, melatonin production is delayed by the blue light emitted by electronic devices.
12. Feelings AffectedA child's emotional behaviours might be affected in a variety of ways by excessive screen usage.
13. Their ability to think creatively and be motivated can be stunted by an overabundance of screen time.
14. Issues with BehaviorYoung children who spend more than two hours a day in front of a screen are more likely to develop behavioural, emotional, and cognitive issues as they progress through elementary school.
15. Technology Can Have a Negative Impact on Family Life.
16. The risks of excessive screen time are mostly discussed in relation to youngsters.
17. However, it is critical to acknowledge that many of the same negative impacts, such as obesity and sleep issues, may also affect adults.
18. But even if your digital gadget use isn't causing serious health issues, it may be negatively impacting your interactions with your child.
19. Your child's growth and mental health may suffer if you provide care that is frequently interrupted by your smartphone use.
20. According to research published in 2016, parents who allow their children to spend too much time on electronic gadgets may be contributing to the rise of mental health issues like depression in their offspring.
21. Conversations and games with adults have been demonstrated to be particularly effective in helping children acquire language.
22. When Is the Right Time to Start Using Screens with Children?Except for family video chats, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to limit their young children's exposure to screens until they are at least 18 to 24 months old.
23. Even though it may be an easy solution in the moment, distracting young children who are having problems sharing a toy with another child with screen time will not teach them to share and take turns in the long run.
24. Overall, we think YouTube is inappropriate for kids under 13.
25. If a parent is serious about discovering age-appropriate and educational programming, they should sit down and watch with their child.
26. It is recommended that parents watch television with their children and talk to them about what they see, especially in situations where screen time is inevitable.
27. This way, kids may get the benefits of both screen time and in-person contact.
28. Choose Your Media Consumption Sensibly.
29. A good rule of thumb is to divide your time evenly between online and offline activities.
30. Family time, as well as eating and sleep times, should be screen-free zones.
31. Because kids will do what they see their parents doing, it's important for adults to limit their own screen time.
32. The greatest way to ensure your child gets the most out of his or her screen time is to sit down and enjoy it with them.
33. All three can be adversely affected by spending too much time in front of a screen.
34. Because of this, it is crucial to make healthy lifestyle choices a regular part of one's routine and to reduce screen time.
35. Advice for Spending Time in Front of the ScreenSet a good example, put restrictions in place, and have open discussions with your child about screen time; these are just as important as they are for anything else in parenting.
36. Maximize the benefits of your toddler's screen time by
37. Join young children in their screen time and play with them.
38. Make sure your kid has enough of downtime every day.
39. You should limit your own and your child's screen time to keep it within healthy parameters.
40. You may want to implement the following guidelines in your home to limit the amount of time spent in front of electronic devices:All electronic gadgets must be turned off at the table.
41. Avoid using electronic devices while driving.
42. In the bedroom, electronic devices are forbidden.
43. Finally, it's a good idea to periodically disconnect as a family from technology.
44. Make a point of disconnecting from technology once a week, or at least once a month on the weekend.