BS NEWS: Fresh studies are giving parents a clearer picture of what screen time does to children, and the impact changes dramatically depending on how old a child is.
From tablets in high chairs to smartphones at the dinner table, today’s young children are growing up surrounded by digital devices. Many parents see screens as a safe, quiet way to keep little ones busy while handling household tasks. But child development experts say the effects of all that media exposure are far more complex than most families realize.
Age matters most, researchers say. How often a child uses devices, what they watch, and why they are handed a screen all play major roles in whether the experience helps or harms.
For babies and toddlers under three years old, the evidence is stark. A study published through Thieme Connect found that children this young gain no real benefit from screens. Too much early exposure can slow language development and weaken motor skills. The same research links heavy screen time in the first years of life to a greater chance of later attention problems, anxiety, and depression.
Experts with the Media Education Research Association Southwest explain that very young children cannot yet tell the difference between the real world and what appears on a screen. Rapid colors, loud sounds, and quick cuts deliver intense stimulation that can overwhelm a developing brain. Over time, this flood of input makes everyday sights and sounds seem dull by comparison, and it can reduce a child’s natural curiosity and ability to play independently.
Preschoolers aged three to six need hands-on experiences to build new skills, researchers say. Some educational content can be helpful in small doses, but long viewing sessions work against it. The average attention span at this age is only ten to fifteen minutes, so extended videos strain concentration rather than strengthen it. When parents rely on devices mainly to ease boredom or calm meltdowns, children miss chances to learn self-regulation.
Once children reach school age, screens become part of daily life for nearly everyone. The 2022 KIM Study in Germany showed that seventy percent of children use the internet regularly. By ages six and seven, thirty-eight percent are online, and by twelve or thirteen, the figure climbs to ninety-nine percent.
At this stage, experts urge parents to stay actively involved. Choosing age-appropriate content, setting firm time limits, building in regular breaks, and talking about online advertising and privacy all help reduce risks. Without guidance, older children face added dangers from violent material, sexual content, and videos that promote self-harm.
Across every age group, excessive screen time is consistently linked to disrupted sleep, irregular eating patterns, and declining mental health.
Researchers emphasize that digital media is here to stay and is now woven into modern childhood. The goal is not to fear technology but to use it wisely. Parents who guide their children, monitor daily habits, and adjust limits based on age can help protect both physical health and emotional well-being in an always-connected world.