Devices such as phones, televisions, tablets and computers have now become an indispensable part of our lives. Many of us spend a significant part of our day looking at the screens of these devices. Likewise, we encounter a similar situation with children.
For this reason, experts are investigating how children are affected by the time they spend in front of the screen. Recent research at Osaka University and Hamamatsu University in Japan provides important information about the effects of this condition on children’s development.
Spending long periods of time in front of a screen negatively affects the development of young children
Japanese researchers have revealed that spending more than one hour or more each day on such devices has an impact on the growth and development of 2-year-olds. The findings came amid concerns about the effects of smartphones on children. The World Health Organization also recommended that 2-year-olds should not spend more than one hour per day in sedentary screen time activities such as watching television and playing computer.
The study analyzed data from 885 children born between December 2007 and March 2012. It was observed that the average daily screen time of these children, who were followed up to the age of 4, was 2.6 hours. Researchers have shown that 1 hour or more of screen time per day affects some communication and daily living skills. There was no effect on socialization skills such as apologizing and greeting.
Communication skills mentioned above; were defined as skills such as expressing thoughts and understanding what is being said, while daily living skills were defined as the skills to gather around and help with housework.
Kenji Tsuchiya from Osaka University said, “In the modern age, we cannot avoid using screens and digital technology in daily life. That’s why we have to find a smart way to reduce their negative impact.”
Allowing children to play outside can reduce these negative effects, according to research.
The study also found that the negative effects of screen time can be reduced by going outside. Accordingly, allowing them to go outside for 30 minutes or more reduces some of these negative effects.
This conclusion was reached after the study observed that the impact on the daily living skills of children who played outside for more than 30 minutes a day was significantly reduced. However, no similar change was observed on the communication side.
Experts also emphasize that the negative effects of screen time are limited, and if parents are a little more careful in this regard, it will not be difficult to reduce the effects.
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