Study: Too much screen time for young children can lead to developmental delays
Dr. Scott Krakower, a child psychiatrist with Northwell Health, says parents should limit screen time for young children when and where they can.
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A new study suggests that too much screen time for babies and toddlers can cause developmental delays.
By the time a child is 2 years old, they are three times more likely to experience delays in communication and problem-solving skills if they looked at a phone or tablet up to four hours a day, according to the study in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. If the child uses the device for more than four hours a day, they are five times more than likely to have underdeveloped skills.
Dr. Scott Krakower, a child psychiatrist with Northwell Health, says parents should limit screen time for young children when and where they can.
“I usually recommend no more than 20 to 30 minutes of iPad time total in a day,” Krakower says. “And if you’re going to use the iPad, take a choice, either use the iPad or watch cartoons, but not both.”
Ashley, a mother in Nassau County, says she will give her children the iPad or TV if they are tired or to avoid a temper tantrum.
She says she hasn’t seen any issues with children’s development because of their use of electronics.
“I have a 2 ½ year-old, too, who’s about to start school and she loves ‘Coco Melon,’” Ashley says. “So, she’s excelling and hopefully school will help her as well, so I guess I’m on the other side of things when it comes to that.”
Other parents tell News they control the time their children use their iPads.
Dr. Krakower says he agrees with part of the study that encourages children go play and engage with other children outside. He says that will help with their communication and social skills.
To read the entire study, click here.
