In the age of technology, smartphones, tablets and TVs are present in most families. Many children are exposed to screens very early, even before speaking fluently. Some parents believe that digital devices help children learn faster. However, Shashi Bhushan, Senior Consultant in Pediatrics and Neonatal Medicine at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital (India), warns that using too many screens before the age of 5 can affect the overall development of children.
The first 5 years of life are the period when the brain develops most strongly. Neural connections are formed at a very fast rate. Children learn best through direct interactions such as talking to parents, listening to stories, playing toys and exploring the surrounding environment. These practical experiences help develop language, thinking and motor skills more effectively than just looking at the screen.
Using the screen too much not only slows down language development but also clearly affects children's emotions and behavior. In the early years of life, children learn to be patient, maintain concentration and control emotions mainly through playing, chatting and interacting directly with adults. When time spent on electronic devices overwhelms these activities, children can become irritable, restless and have difficulty adjusting their behavior.
In addition, if parents regularly use phones during meals or while playing with their children, children may feel a lack of care, thereby affecting the feeling of safety and family cohesion.
Physical health and sleep are also affected. Children who sit in front of the screen for a long time are often less active, increasing the risk of being overweight. Blue light from electronic devices can reduce the production of melatonin (a sleep-boosting hormone), making it difficult for children to fall asleep or sleep less deeply. Prolonged sleep deprivation can affect mood, concentration and overall development.
Experts recommend that children under 2 years old should avoid screen contact, except for video chats with relatives. Children from 2 to 5 years old should limit to a maximum of one hour per day, prioritize content suitable for their age and should watch with their parents to increase interaction. Parents should also avoid placing electronic devices in the bedroom, do not use screens during meals and actively reduce phone use time when with their children.
Screen devices such as phones, TVs or computers have become familiar in today's life. However, they cannot replace parents chatting, playing with and spending time directly with their children. In their early years, children need to be communicated, play, and receive attention from their families to develop well in language, emotions, and social skills.
