More screen time is linked to poorer child development, study shows

A new study has revealed a connection between the amount of screen time children engage in and the quality of their development, showing poorer outcomes in areas such as learning, speech, and emotional regulation. Researchers analyzed data from nearly three million children aged 18 and under from 64 countries over several decades, according to senior author Sheri Madigan, a professor of psychology at the University of Calgary, Canada.

Madigan noted that while the associations between screen time and developmental issues were relatively small, they were not insignificant, especially considering that screen time is nearly universal among children. She also pointed out that newer studies have presented stronger evidence of the relationship compared to older research.

Madigan emphasized that while screens are not inherently bad for children, they can detract from essential aspects of child development, such as sleep, physical activity, and human connection. Parents are advised to take a balanced approach rather than completely removing devices and to identify specific times when screen use may interfere with other needs.

Governments should also play a role by setting guidelines for screen use, providing education, conducting research, and safeguarding children from online harms. Future research will focus on identifying which children are more affected by different digital experiences and the reasons behind these associations, as the current study only establishes a correlation and not a causal relationship.