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Toddlers Twice Screen Time Goal: Study Warns
13 Jan
Summary
- English toddlers in the 2020s exceed daily recommended screentime.
- Excessive screen use linked to poorer language and behaviour.
- Parental depression correlates with higher child screentime.
A recent study in England indicates that children born in the 2020s are being exposed to screens for twice the recommended daily duration. For two-year-olds, the average daily screentime has reached two hours, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization's recommendation of one hour.
The research, which analyzed data from over 4,700 caregivers, found a direct link between high screentime and developmental outcomes. Toddlers with the highest screen usage, averaging five hours daily, scored lower on vocabulary tests. They were also twice as likely to develop emotional and behavioral issues, even when controlling for socioeconomic factors.
Interestingly, the study observed that parental mental health plays a role, with children of parents experiencing depression symptoms using screens more frequently. Conversely, activities like reading and playing together are associated with better early language skills. Researchers emphasize the need for guidance to families regarding mindful screen use.
