Why Too Much Screen Time Might Be More Damaging for Children Than Previously Thought

It has long been the consensus in pediatric circles that limiting screen time for young children is crucial for their healthy development. 

 

At the time of this article’s publication in late 2024, most parents of small children are aware of the familiar refrain of recommendations from routine visits to the pediatrician’s office: For kids ages 2 to 5, limit screen time to one hour of educational programming per day. For children age 6 and older, screen time should be balanced with healthy activities like sleep, physical activity, and quality face-to-face interactions with family, friends, and role models such as teachers and coaches. 

 

What parents may not be aware of is why. 

 

Excessive screen time early in life is linked to issues like sleep disturbances, obesity, and a rainbow of behavioral problems such as attention disorders, delayed language development, and social skill deficits. That being the case, it can easily have a ripple effect that negatively influences performance at school as early as the first grade, or even kindergarten. Beyond that, with many, these problems can last beyond the years traditionally associated with early development, into puberty and well after.

 

Dr. Moyez Ladhani, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, a practicing Consultant General Pediatrician and former medical school professor based in Southern Ontario, has spent years noting the effects of excessive screen time on the children he treats.

“As a pediatrician, I’ve seen firsthand how screen time can disrupt a child’s development. It’s not just about the physical health risks like obesity or eyestrain—it also profoundly affects cognitive and emotional growth,” says Dr. Ladhani. “When children spend too much time in front of computers, pads, and televisions, they miss out on critical face-to-face interactions that foster language development and even rudimentary social skills.”

Research supports Dr. Ladhani’s concerns. Studies have shown that children who engage in prolonged screen time are more likely to develop attention-related issues, such as ADHD. A 2023 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found solid links between children who exceed two hours of screen time per day and a higher risk of attention problems and difficulty focusing in school.

“Parents often don’t realize that excessive screen time can change how a child’s brain develops. Too much time on digital devices can alter the way a child processes information, making it harder for them to keep their focus on tasks or even engage in play,” Dr. Ladhani notes.

Sleep is another major concern. Excessive screen time, especially before bed, has been found to cause disruptions in sleep patterns, which in turn can affect mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Screens emit blue light, which suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles. For young children, this can lead to delayed sleep onset and poor-quality rest, both of which are essential for healthy brain development.

Additionally, the effect of screen oversaturation on childhood obesity cannot be overstated. As children become more sedentary, spending long hours playing video games or watching TV, they may be more likely to develop unhealthy habits that contribute to weight gain. A slew of authoritative studies, including one from the National Institute of Health, as well as simple observation dictates that kids who spend large amounts of time in front of screens are much more likely to consume unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks excessively, further aggravating the risk of obesity.

Social interactions, too, are crucial for young children. Even in this age of ubiquitous digital connectivity, face-to-face communication remains the most effective way for kids to develop social and emotional intelligence. Dr. Ladhani explains: “The critical interactions that shape a child’s ability to empathize, share, and collaborate with others simply cannot happen through a screen. Kids need real-world connections to build these important life skills.”

It’s important to note that not all screen time is equal. Educational programming, such as learning apps and tv shows, can have positive effects if used sparingly. But the key to this is moderation. Dr. Ladhani emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries: “It’s vital that parents set limits on screen time, encourage outdoor play, and foster a healthy relationship with technology. Kids need variety in their activities to grow and develop in a balanced way.”

The message is clear: While it’s true that screens are not inherently bad, monitoring the length of time children are exposed to them is a key factor in their healthy development. By being proactive and making sure that kids engage in a wide range of non-screen-based activities—academic, physical, and social—parents can positively influence their overall well-being and lay a strong foundation for success in school and later in life.