A new study from Drexel University in Philadelphia raises concerns about the potential harm of screen exposure for children under the age of three. [Source]
The researchers, led by Associate Professor Karen Heffler, caution that screen time in toddlers could lead to sensory processing issues, with implications for conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.
Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study presents alarming findings. Children as young as 12 months old, exposed to screen time, showed a 105-percent higher likelihood of experiencing sensory processing issues by the time they reached 33 months. These issues manifest as disengagement, an overwhelming response to sensory stimuli such as loud noises or bright lights, and a heightened need for intense environmental stimulation.
“This association could have important implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, as atypical sensory processing is much more prevalent in these populations,” explained Dr. Heffler in a media release. The concern is that early screen time could exacerbate the sensory brain hyperconnectivity often observed in autism spectrum disorders. [Source]
The research further sheds light on the cumulative effect of screen time. For each additional hour of daily screen exposure at 18 months, the likelihood of sensory problems increased by 23 percent. By 24 months, each extra hour of screen time raised the risk by 20 percent.
Given these findings, the researchers recommend a strict approach to screen time for young children. For those under 24 months, the advice is to avoid screens entirely. Between the ages of two and five, screen time should be limited to one hour per day. A notable exception is live video chatting, which may offer social interaction benefits that counter the negative effects of screen time.
“Considering this link between high screen time and a growing list of developmental and behavioral problems, it may be beneficial for toddlers exhibiting these symptoms to undergo a period of screen time reduction, along with sensory processing practices delivered by occupational therapists,” Dr. Heffler adds.
The research team analyzed data from 1,471 infants and toddlers, focusing on their TV or DVD viewing habits. They assessed sensory processing outcomes at 33 months using a parent-completed questionnaire. The children were categorized based on their sensory-related behaviors.
“Parent training and education are key to minimizing, or hopefully even avoiding, screen time in children younger than two years,” states senior author David Bennett, a professor of Psychiatry in Drexel’s College of Medicine.
This study serves as a critical wake-up call for parents and caregivers about the potential developmental risks of early exposure to screens.