Screen time and how experts are saying it's affecting your child's development

 

      

Developmental science is the scientific study of the psychological progression humans endure (Hartup, & Silbereisen, 2002). The developmental experts look at the changes a human being goes through in their entire life span aiming to describe, explain and optimize development (Hartup, & Silbereisen, 2002). A main focus of the field has been the nature vs. nurture notion with most experts agreeing that a human’s development is essentially influenced by both genes and the environment in which the grow. One of the defining assumptions of developmental science is that children can be molded during the formative years (Hartup, & Silbereisen, 2002). While it is true that children will show their unique personalities during the first seven years of life, the reality is that individual characteristics interacting with the experiences they encounter through their childhood, is what forms the personality (Hartup, Silbereisen, 2002). After all, new experiences may change the lessons we have learned in the past, and this is true for adults as well. In addition, other things may influence a personality including our parent’s rearing practices. While the idea of children being able to be “molded” into a desirable state it’s still debatable, the truth is the experiences and habits our children have during those crucial years, may affect life as adults. 

Thus, the increase in use of technology by young children and adolescents is causing concerns among experts. With an increase in mental disorders reported among youth (Knoujaa, Munato et al), it is no wonder scientists have increase their desire to learn of a possible association between screen time and mental health conditions. Screen time refers to the use of television, computer, or smart portable device such as a cell phone, iPad, or tablet. Sedentary behaviors such as those just mentioned, are associated with anxiety and depression levels  (Knoujaa, Munato et al).

                    

In a study conducted in the UK a group of adolescents and teenagers were surveyed. Those surveyed were asked regarding the time they spent either watching TV, texting or web surfing. Once the same group of kids turned 18 years of age, they were once again surveyed this time to assess their depression and/or anxiety levels. The study found a positive correlation between screen time use and  depression and anxiety symptoms( Knoujaa, Munato et al). In another study conducted in the USA, researchers have concluded that as little as 2 hours daily of exposure to screen time can be enough for an adolescent to show symptoms of depression or anxiety (Zinkk, Belcher, et al) later on in life. International data shows that screen time increases over time with adolescents showing the longest times of upwards of 6 hours daily (Mutzz, Mulher, & Goring, 2019). 

Behaviors that lack physical activity have been known to increase the risks associated to cardiovascular disease and in instances being correlated to high body mass index (Zinkk, Belcher et al). In fact, 13.7% of children between the ages of 2-5 in the United States are considered obese (Staianoo, Kipling, et al). Furthermore, more recent studies have shown screen time may potentially delay a child’s social skills as well (Zinkk, Belcher et al) and may cause cognitive delays (Zinkk, Belcher et al). Children who spend most of their days in front of a screen, become socially isolated and lack the socialization abilities that will help them develop conflict resolutions skills useful later in life. As a result of their lack of social skills these children may grow to find themselves being judged by a sociable society and can be subjected to bullying, leading to depression in adults (Multzz, Mulher, & Goring, 2019). On the contrary, previous research has shown that outdoor physical activity has a positive impact in self esteem (Multzz, Muljer, & Goring, 2019) for young adults.  
                    

It is recommended children and youth limit their screen time to less than 2 hours of it daily (Multzz, Mulher, & Goring, 2019) depending on the age. See chart above by OhioHealth on what's appropriate based on your child's age.  Alarmingly enough however, pediatricians are reporting that while pre-preschoolers are behind in their physical activity recommendations, they are exceeding the screen time recommend by experts (Staianoo, Kipling, et al). Nevertheless, in an era in which 80% of children in the US between the ages of 3-5 are in “non parental” care (Staianoo, Kipling, et al) attending child/education centers many times for a whole day, limiting the screen time may present a challenge for families across the world. 

References

Hartup, W. W., & Silbereisen, R. K. (Eds.). (2002). Growing Points in Developmental Science: An introduction. New York, NY: Psychology Press.

Knouja, J. N., Munato, M. R., Tilling, K., Wiles, W. J., Joinson, C., Etchells, P. J., & Cornish, R. P. (2019). s screen time associated with anxiety or depression in young people? Results from a UK birth cohort. BMC Public Health, 19(1), 82. Retrieved from http://://doi-org.proxy1.ncu.edu/10.1186/s12889-018-6321-9

Mutz, M., Muller, J., & Goring, A. (2019). Outdoor adventures and adolescents’ mental health: daily screen time as a moderator of changes. Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, 19(1), 56.

Staiano, A. E., Kipling, E. W., Allen, A. T., Jarrell, A. R., & Martin, C. K. (2018). Screen-Time Policies and Practices in Early Care and Education Centers in Relationship to Child Physical Activity. Childhood Obesity, 14(6), 341.

Zink, J., Belcher, B. R., Kechler, A., Stone, M. D., & Leventhal, A. M. (2019). Reciprocal associations between screen time and emotional disorder symptoms during adolescence. Preventive Medicine Reports, 13, 281.