Screen Time in Infancy Linked to Longer Decision-Making and Increased Anxiety in Adolescents

Introducing screens to infants before age two may have lasting impacts on brain development and mental health. Recent research from Singapore indicates that early exposure to screens can accelerate brain network maturation but at a potential cost to cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience.

Key Findings from the Study

• Accelerated Brain Maturation: Infants exposed to screens before age two showed faster development of visual and cognitive control networks in the brain.
• Impact on Decision-Making: This rapid specialization correlated with slower decision times during childhood.
• Increased Anxiety Symptoms: Adolescents with higher early screen exposure exhibited higher anxiety levels.

"During normal development, brain networks gradually become more specialised over time," explains Dr. Huang Pei, lead researcher. "High screen exposure causes these networks to specialize prematurely, which hampers the development of efficient connections necessary for complex thinking."

Explanation of the Findings

The study suggests that early screen exposure limits brain flexibility, making children less adaptable and more prone to anxiety as they grow older. This is attributed to the notion that the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt – its plasticity – is compromised when development occurs too quickly without sufficient complexity.

The Study Details

• Participants: 168 children from the GUSTO cohort, tracked over more than ten years.
• Measurement: Parental reports of screen time, MRI scans at ages 4.5, 6, and 7.5, cognitive tests at 8.5, and anxiety assessments at 13.
• Findings: More than one to two hours of daily screen time in infancy was common, exceeding WHO recommendations, which advocate for no screen time for 1-year-olds and limited use for 2-year-olds.

Public Health Implications

These findings underscore the importance of limiting screen exposure early in life. As the researchers note, early screen use has likely increased since the data was collected during 2010–2014, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical Recommendations

• Engage in Active Play and Reading: Children whose parents read to them at age three show less impact of screen time on brain development.
• Reduce Screen Time: Opt for traditional activities like reading, singing, and playing.
• Parental Involvement: Active engagement with children through conversation and shared activities fosters emotional regulation and cognitive skills.

"Limiting screen time in the first two years is crucial," emphasizes Tan Ai Peng, senior researcher. "Parent-child activities like reading are vital for healthy brain development."

Final Advice

In a world dominated by technology, it’s essential to strike a balance. Turning off devices and encouraging real-world interactions supports better mental health and cognitive development for children. The message is clear: tech isn't a substitute for quality parental engagement and traditional learning experiences.

Say no to screen overload and yes to books, play, and meaningful human connection.