When to Take Away All Devices from Children - Research
Researchers from the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research and the National University of Singapore found that prolonged screen time before age one and around age six is associated with lower school grades at age nine and less developed working memory by age 10.5. No such association was found for ages two and three. WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend not introducing screens until 1.5–2 years and limiting gadget use to one hour per day for children aged two to five.
Researchers from the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research and the National University of Singapore analyzed data from 502 children aged 1 to 10.5 years from the GUSTO medical cohort. Parents reported the time children spent watching TV, using tablets, and smartphones. The analysis showed that prolonged screen time before age one and around age six is associated with lower school grades by age nine and less developed working memory by age 10.5. However, no such association was found for children aged two and three. The researchers emphasized that early childhood may be a period of heightened sensitivity when the brain is particularly vulnerable to screen time displacing educational interactions. WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend not introducing screens until 1.5–2 years and limiting gadget use to one hour per day for children aged two to five. The authors advise parents to control screen time from the first year of life and to pay special attention to restrictions before starting school.