A study led by Dr. Mary Brushe from the Telethod Kids Institute reveals concerning impacts of screen time on toddlers.
Tracking 220 Australian families over two-and-a-half years, researchers observed that every minute of screen exposure for children aged one to three correlated with reduced exposure to adult words, decreased vocalizations, and fewer parent-child conversations.
Employing fitness watch devices, the study, part of Brushe’s University of Adelaide PhD, measured electronic noise and interactions.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, the findings underscore the risk of compromising crucial language development opportunities due to screen time, even when adhering to WHO guidelines.
Moreover, researchers caution that the study might underestimate actual screen time, as it primarily focused on audible screen-related activities.
Brushe recommends interactive co-viewing and post-screen conversations as strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Despite challenges, pro
actively managing screen time could safeguard vital parent-child interactions in early childhood.
Source: Oman News Agency