According to recent research, drexel university reveals surprising new insights into the effects of screen time on young children.
This study suggests that infants and young children exposed to television and video viewing may exhibit abnormal sensory behavior and have difficulty processing the world around them.
Atypical sensory behaviors include sensory deprivation, seeking stronger stimuli, and being overwhelmed by sensory input such as loud sounds or bright lights.
Effects of screen time on children under 2 years old
Research shows that these children are likely to develop behaviors such as “sensory seeking,” “sensory avoidance,” and “low awareness” (low or slow sensitivity to stimuli) by 33 months of age. was shown to be high.
Dr. Karen HeflerDrexel University associate professor of psychiatry and the study’s lead author, Drexel University and the study’s lead author believe that these treatments are important for diseases in which atypical sensory processing is more common, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. highlights the potential implications of the findings.
“This association may have important implications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, as atypical sensory processing is more prevalent in these populations,” Dr. Hoefler said.
“Repetitive behaviors, such as those seen in autism spectrum disorders, are highly correlated with atypical sensory processing. “It may determine whether this may promote the sensory brain hyperconnectivity seen in closed spectrum disorders,” concluded Dr. Hoefler.
How to conduct research
This study focused on children who had a high amount of television viewing by their second birthday.
Sensory processing skills, which are important for efficient and appropriate responses to sensory stimuli (hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, etc.), are based on the infant/toddler’s sensory profile (ITSP).
The ITSP subscales include low cognition, sensory seeking (e.g., touching objects or sniffing too much), sensory sensitivities (e.g., stimulation from light or noise), and sensory avoidance (e.g., trying to avoid experiences such as brushing teeth). Assess the child’s sensory behavior patterns, such as actively controlling the environment (e.g., actively controlling the environment). ).
Based on the frequency of these sensory-related behaviors, children receive scores in the categories of “typical,” “high,” and “low.” If the score is within one standard deviation of the mean of her ITSP criteria, the score is placed in the “Standard” category.
What the research team learned
The research team analyzed data from the National Child Study Survey from 2011 to 2014, which surveyed 1,471 children (50% male) across the country.
Measurements of screen exposure at different age milestones (12 months, 18 months, and 24 months) were based on caregiver responses.
The findings were very clear.
- At 12 months, screen exposure was associated with a 105% greater likelihood of “high” sensory behaviors associated with low enrollment at 33 months.
- At 18 months, each additional hour of daily screen time increased the odds of “high” sensory behaviors associated with sensory avoidance and low registration by 23%.
- By 24 months, each additional hour of screen time increased the odds of being ‘high’ in sensory seeking, sensory hypersensitivity, and sensory avoidance behaviors by 20% at 33 months.
The study took into account a variety of factors, including age, preterm birth, caregiver education, and race/ethnicity, as well as children’s involvement in activities such as playing and walking with their caregivers.
These findings add to the growing list of health and developmental concerns associated with screen time, including language delays, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral problems, sleep disorders, attention problems, and delayed problem-solving. will be added.
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD, atypical sensory processing can lead to irritability, hyperactivity, eating and sleeping problems, social problems, executive function problems, anxiety, and poor quality of life. may cause a decline.
Screen time and developmental concerns
This research adds to the growing list of developmental and behavioral problems associated with screen time in infants and young children.
These include language delays, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral problems, sleep disorders, attention problems, and delayed problem-solving skills.
“Given the association between high screen time and increased developmental and behavioral problems, screen time, along with sensory processing practices from occupational therapists, can be beneficial for young children exhibiting these symptoms. It may be beneficial to shorten the period of time,” he said. Heffler.
of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time for young children under the age of 18 to 24 months and limiting digital media use for children ages 2 to 5.
“Parent training and education is key to minimizing or preferably avoiding screen time in children under 2 years of age,” said the lead author. Dr. David Bennett, professor of psychiatry at Drexel School of Medicine. ”
further research is needed
Many young children look at screens frequently, despite evidence to the contrary. In the United States, children under the age of 2 watched screens for an average of 3 hours and 3 minutes a day in 2014, up from 1 hour and 19 minutes a day in 1997, a 2019 study found. It was revealed. JAMA Pediatrics I will report.
In a July 2015 survey, Nutrition and Behavior Journal Some parents find themselves resorting to screen time due to fatigue and lack of affordable alternatives.
The study focuses on TV and DVD viewing and does not include media viewed on smartphones or tablets. The authors call for further research to understand the mechanisms behind the association between childhood screen time and atypical sensory processing.
In summary, this study reveals that infants and young children’s early screen exposure, such as watching television and videos, can lead to atypical sensory behaviors. Children exposed to screens before their second birthday showed increased propensity for sensation seeking, sensation avoidance, and poor cognition (delayed responses to stimuli) by 33 months. Ta.
These findings are consistent with growing concerns about the developmental and behavioral effects of screen time in young children, and suggest reducing screen exposure and educating parents to reduce potential developmental risks. The need is emphasized.
The research will be published in a journal JAMA Pediatrics.
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