Screen time at ages 1 and 6 may matter more than parents realize

A recent longitudinal study has found that screen time during infancy and around the start of school can significantly impact a child's academic performance and working memory. Conducted by researchers from Inserm and the National University of Singapore, the study tracked 502 children from birth to age 9 using data from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort.

The analysis revealed that higher screen exposure during infancy and the early school years was associated with lower academic achievement and weaker working memory at age 10.5. While the effects were not as pronounced at ages 2 and 3, they re-emerged at age 6, coinciding with the transition into formal schooling. The study suggests that while total screen time is important, the age at which children are exposed to screens may also be crucial for cognitive development.

Experts recommend limiting screen use before 18-24 months and keeping it under one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5. The findings underscore the importance of early intervention in managing children's screen habits to promote optimal learning and memory development.