This article explores the effects of screen time on children's developing brains, highlighting the differences between TV and gadgets, the addictive nature of phones, and practical tips for parents to manage screen use effectively.
For many children today, having a phone or tablet is becoming increasingly common. While these devices can offer educational benefits and entertainment, their effects on developing brains are a hot topic among parents, educators, and neurodevelopmental specialists. Firstly, there is a difference between TVs and gadgets. 'Watching TV is generally a passive activity, meaning it doesn’t require constant interaction.
While prolonged exposure can still affect attention spans and sleep cycles, it allows for moments of rest for the brain. Certain educational programs, when age-appropriate, can support learning,' explains Ollwyn Moran, a neurodevelopmental therapist and founder and CEO of Cognikids. Meanwhile, phones or tablets encourage constant interaction, whether through swiping, tapping, or engaging with fast-paced apps. 'This triggers the brain's reward system more frequently and intensely, leading to overstimulation. These devices are portable, and their proximity to the eyes often results in greater strain, increasing the risk of myopia (near-sightedness). 'They also tend to hunch over the device, causing misalignment of their posture, and with their head hung forward, this puts pressure on their neck, shoulders, and spine. These screens also provide immediate gratification through quick actions like swiping, which triggers the release of dopamine, the brain's 'feel-good' chemical. This repeated stimulation can create patterns associated with addiction.' While TV also involves screen exposure, children typically watch TV from a distance, reducing eye strain, and their bodies are usually in a better position, according to Ollwyn. 'The absence of interactivity means the brain isn’t constantly rewarded, which lowers the risk of overactivation of the dopamine system.' Social media in particular can amplify feelings of inadequacy, especially among girls, as it encourages comparison with peers, she adds. 'Boys may gravitate toward games and apps that emphasize competition or aggression, which can fuel impulsivity and reduced attention spans. 'When age-appropriate content is chosen, TV can foster relaxation or learning without overwhelming the brain's reward system. It is also easier for a parent to know what content their child is being exposed to on a TV.'\Why are phones so addictive? 'It’s all down to what is happening in your child’s brain while they are interacting with them. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation, pleasure, and reward. 'Every time your child swipes, taps, or receives a notification, their brain releases dopamine, creating a pleasurable sensation. This feedback loop is similar to how addictions form: the brain craves more of the activity that triggers dopamine, leading to compulsive behavior. 'On phones and tablets, swiping through content offers quick hits of dopamine. The constant novelty keeps the brain engaged but overstimulated, affecting areas like the prefrontal cortex, which governs focus, attention, and memory. This pattern can reduce a child’s ability to concentrate on slower-paced tasks, such as reading or doing homework, and increase their susceptibility to boredom when not engaged with screens.'\What parents should be aware of: Screen time guidelines: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour of screen time daily for children aged two to five and consistent limits for older kids. Impact on sleep: Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production, disrupting sleep cycles. Ensure devices are turned off at least one hour before bedtime. Content matters: Educational apps and age-appropriate shows are far less harmful than mindless scrolling or gaming
SCREEN TIME CHILDREN DEVELOPMENT BRAIN TV PHONES TABLETS ADDICTION DYSFUNCTION SLEEP EYESIGHT POSTURE EDUCATION
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