Does excessive screen time impact key development skills? Experts explain

Sophie Collins

Now that the winter is here, your kids’ evening downtime has probably changed with the darker evenings.

The kids will want to enjoy some screen time after their homework is done – particularly when winter hits and darkness arrives by 5:00 pm – but how much time is excessive?

The experts at OutdoorToys have to compiled a guide on the risks of excessive screen time as well as the recommended amount of time your children should be spending on electronic devices each day, according to their age.

The effects

Excessive screen time is thought to negatively impact cognitive skills in children, especially as they get older.

Other risks associated with too much screen time can include disrupted sleep at night, problems with paying attention, poor academic performance, strain on the eyes, anxiety, depression and a lack of exercise – which can contribute to obesity and mobility issues.

The amount of time children spend on electronic devices each day sky rocketed by more than 50% during the pandemic and continues to cause concerns as children are spending more than the recommended amount of time in front of their screens.

Age specific timing

Under 2 Years Old

For kids under the age of 2, zero screen time is recommended.The only exception is when parents are video chatting with family or friends and put them on the screen.

Ages 2 to 5

For those ages 2 to 5 years, the experts recommend you limit children’s screen time to one hour per day.

Adults should co-view with them and make use of interactive, nonviolent, and educational media.

Ages 6 to 17

For this age group, the recommended time allowance is no more than two hours per day of screen time – this includes time spent doing their homework on screen.

It’s important to remember that screen time isn’t technically an unhealthy activity, especially when parents are cautious about how long their child engages with media and they monitor the content they are engaging with.

Screen time becomes unhealthy when it starts to replace things that are beneficial for the growth of children, like outdoor play.

Speaking about the recommendations, Alex Price, Product Expert at OutdoorToys, said:

“Playing outdoors is key for a child’s growth and development. There are many physical benefits that come with being active, such as developing essential motor skills like coordination, agility, and balance.

“Being outdoors also helps to aid children’s immune system development. The Vitamin D they get from sun exposure encourages strong bone and muscle growth, as well as helping to establish healthy sleep cycles and mood stabilisation.

“The outdoors can even help children develop self-confidence and curiosity about the world around them, enabling them to make new friends, too.

“Parents should take into consideration the benefits that being outside has for children, and make sure that screen time is not replacing this element.”