Abusing screens is harmful at any age, but in the case of minors its effects can be especially negative, and babies and young children who spend too much time in front of them can experience anything from a reduction in their attention span to a less empathy, according to UNICEF experts, who recommend that they interact with people, and not with screens.
Scientists continue to investigate the long-term effects of using new technologies. Now, a new study has found that infants and toddlers exposed to television or watching videos may be more likely to exhibit atypical sensory behaviors, such as remaining disengaged and disinterested in activities, seeking more intense stimulation in an environment, or feeling overwhelmed by loud sounds or bright lights.
The research that came to these conclusions was conducted by researchers at the Drexel School of Medicine, who highlighted that children who watched more television by their second birthday were more likely to develop atypical sensory processing behaviors, such as “searching for information.” sensations” and “avoidance of sensations”, as well as “low register”: being less sensitive or slower when responding to stimuli, such as being called by name, at 33 months.
Impact of screens on child health and development
Sensory processing skills reflect the body’s ability to respond efficiently and appropriately to information and stimuli received by its sensory systems, such as what the child hears, sees, touches, and tastes. The study used data from 2011-2014 from the National Children’s Study on television or DVD programs viewed by 1,471 infants and toddlers (50% male) ages 12, 18, and 24 months nationwide.
Sensory processing outcomes were assessed at 33 months using the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP), a questionnaire completed by parents/caregivers, which is designed to provide information about how children process what they see, hear, they smell, etc. The researchers adjusted for age, taking into account whether the child was born prematurely, the caregiver’s education, race/ethnicity and other factors, such as how often the child played or walked with the caregiver.
The results of the study have been published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, and include:
- At 12 months, any exposure to a screen compared to no screen viewing was associated with a 105% greater likelihood of exhibiting “high” sensory behaviors rather than “typical” sensory behaviors related to low registration at 33 months.
- At 18 months, each additional hour of daily screen time was associated with a 23% greater odds of exhibiting “high” sensory behaviors related to subsequent sensation avoidance and low registration.
- At 24 months, each additional hour of daily screen time was associated with a 20% increase in the odds of “high” sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidance at 33 months.
The findings from this work add to the growing list of concerning child health and development outcomes related to screen time in infants and toddlers, including language delay, behavioral problems, sleep difficulties, attention problems, and delays in problem solving.
“Repetitive behavior, such as that seen in autism spectrum disorder, is highly correlated with atypical sensory processing”
“This association could have important implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, as atypical sensory processing is much more common in these populations,” said Dr. Karen Heffler, associate professor of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine. of Medicine at Drexel and the lead author. “Repetitive behavior, such as that seen in autism spectrum disorder, is highly correlated with atypical sensory processing. “Future work may determine whether screen time in early life could fuel the sensory brain hyperconnectivity seen in autism spectrum disorders, such as increased brain responses to sensory stimulation.”
Atypical sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD manifests in a variety of disruptive behaviors. In children with ASD, increased sensation seeking or avoidance, increased sensory sensitivity, and low registration have been associated with irritability, hyperactivity, eating and sleeping difficulties, as well as social problems. In children with ADHD, atypical sensory processing is linked to problems with executive function, anxiety, and lower quality of life.
“Given this link between elevated screen time and a growing list of developmental and behavioral problems, it may be beneficial for young children with these symptoms to undergo a period of reduced screen time.” , along with sensory processing practices taught by occupational therapists,” concludes Heffler.
