Screen Time Concerns?

Excessive screen time can negatively impact brain function, especially in children, affecting areas related to attention, memory, and cognitive development. It can also lead to changes in brain structure, disrupt sleep, and potentially contribute to neuroinflammation. 

Whilst professionals generally advise that primary aged children should access a maximum of 2 hours screen time including television, tablet, laptop and smartphone. If you are seeing any of the following impacts with your child it may be time to consider how to reduce screen time even further. 

Here's a more detailed look at the neurological effects:

• Attention and Memory: Studies have shown a correlation between high screen time and impaired attentional functions in preschool children. Excessive screen time can also lead to changes in brain structure, including thinning of the cerebral cortex, which is associated with memory and cognitive functions. 
• Brain Development: Research suggests that high amounts of screen time can affect brain growth and development, particularly in young children. Studies have linked screen time to differences in cortical thickness and sulcal depth, which are established measures of brain development. 
• Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with melatonin production, which is essential for regulating sleep. This can lead to sleep disturbances and difficulty falling asleep. 
• Neuroinflammation: Prolonged screen time may contribute to neuroinflammation, potentially affecting brain health and cognitive function. 
• Cognitive Function: Excessive screen time can impact cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, and critical thinking. 
• Social-Emotional Development: High screen time can also hinder social-emotional development, potentially leading to problems with empathy, social skills, and emotional regulation. 
• Mental Health: Excessive screen time has been linked to increased risk of depression and anxiety, as well as potential addiction and social isolation. 
• Brain Structure Changes: Studies have shown that high screen time can lead to changes in brain structure, including thinning of the cerebral cortex, which is associated with cognitive functions.