Does Too Much Screen Time Harm Kids' Brains?

A recent study from Singapore indicates that children who spent significant time on screens before turning two exhibited alterations in brain development, which were later associated with delayed decision-making skills and increased anxiety during their teenage years.

Infants with greater exposure to screens demonstrated quicker growth in brain regions associated with visual processing and self-regulation. Scientists believe this could be attributed to the intense sensory input from screen devices.

The research, headed by Assistant Professor Tan Ai Peng along with her group from A*STAR's Institute for Human Development and Potential and the National University of Singapore, utilized information from the ongoing Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study.

Appearing in eBioMedicine, the study tracked 168 children for more than a decade and conducted brain imaging at ages 4.5, 6, and 7.5. This approach enabled them to observe the progression of brain networks over time instead of using a single scan.

Children's screen exposure at ages three and four did not produce similar outcomes, indicating that the first two years of life are particularly vulnerable.

"Rapid development occurs when specific brain networks grow too quickly, typically as a result of hardship or other influences," states Dr. Huang Pei, the lead researcher of the study.

As the brain develops normally, its networks progressively become more specialized. However, in children who spend a lot of time on screens, the networks responsible for vision and thinking develop specialization more quickly, prior to establishing the efficient connections necessary for advanced reasoning. This may reduce adaptability and strength, making it harder for the child to adjust later on.

The scientists believe these results may assist parents and the government in shaping early childhood policies, backing initiatives in Singapore aimed at encouraging healthy growth from an early stage.

Berbagi :