New Research Associates Screen Time with Developmental Delays in Early Childhood
A recent study conducted by Tohoku University in collaboration with Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, as published in JAMA Pediatrics, has established a connection between screen time in one-year-old children and developmental delays. This research, which examined the impact of various forms of screen exposure, sheds light on the necessity for a nuanced understanding of the subject and further investigations into its implications.
The study encompassed a substantial cohort of 7,097 mother-child pairs, participants in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. Parents provided information regarding their child’s exposure to screens, including television, video games, tablets, mobile phones, and other electronic devices, through the completion of questionnaires.
The gender distribution among the children involved was almost equal, with boys accounting for 51.8% and girls for 48.2%. Screen time exposure was categorized into four groups: less than one hour (48.5% of subjects), one to less than two hours (29.5%), two to less than four hours (17.9%), and four or more hours (4.1%).
The study rigorously assessed the children’s development at ages two and four, evaluating their performance in five key domains: communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and personal and social skills. Notably, prior research in this field typically did not delve into different developmental domains, offering a less detailed perspective.
The analysis of the association between screen time at age one and subsequent developmental delays employed a well-established statistical technique, revealing a dose-response relationship. This means that the extent of developmental delay (the response) correlated with the amount of screen time (the dose).
At the age of two, increased screen time at one year old was linked to developmental delays in all domains except gross motor skills. However, by the age of four, heightened screen time was only associated with developmental delays in the domains of communication and problem-solving.
Tohoku University epidemiologist Taku Obara, the corresponding author of the research, emphasized the importance of considering the distinct developmental domains in future discussions concerning the association between screen time and child development. He pointed out that the variation in developmental delays observed in different domains at each life stage underscores the need for this separation.
This study was prompted in part by recent recommendations from organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which suggest that a minority of children adhere to guidelines for limiting screen time exposure. These guidelines aim to ensure that children engage in sufficient physical activity and social interaction.
Obara explained, “The rapid proliferation of digital devices, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly increased screen time for children and adolescents. However, this study does not advocate for an outright restriction of screen time. It merely suggests an association, not causation, between screen time and developmental delay.” He also mentioned that while the term ‘delay’ is used in accordance with previous research, it is open to debate whether the observed differences in development truly constitute delays. Future studies will seek to gain deeper insights by examining the effects of various types of screen exposure.
Reference: “Screen Time at Age 1 Year and Communication and Problem-Solving Developmental Delay at 2 and 4 Years” by Ippei Takahashi, Taku Obara, Mami Ishikuro, Keiko Murakami, Fumihiko Ueno, Aoi Noda, Tomomi Onuma, Genki Shinoda, Tomoko Nishimura, Kenji J. Tsuchiya and Shinichi Kuriyama, JAMA Pediatrics.
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3057
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Developmental Delays in Toddlers
What does the study reveal about screen time and developmental delays in one-year-olds?
The study conducted by Tohoku University suggests a correlation between screen time exposure at the age of one and developmental delays, particularly in communication and problem-solving skills.
How was the research conducted?
The research involved 7,097 mother-child pairs and utilized questionnaires completed by parents to assess each child’s exposure to various screens, such as television, video games, tablets, mobile phones, and other electronic devices.
What were the key findings of the study?
The study found a dose-response association, meaning that increased screen time at one year old was linked to developmental delays in various domains. At age two, it affected all domains except gross motor skills, but by age four, it was primarily associated with delays in communication and problem-solving.
Why is it important to consider different developmental domains?
The study underscores the significance of considering various developmental domains when discussing the impact of screen time on child development, as delays can manifest differently in different areas.
What is the implication of this research for parents and policymakers?
While the study suggests an association between screen time and developmental delay, it does not establish causation. Therefore, it emphasizes the importance of further research and a nuanced understanding of the effects of screen exposure on early childhood development.
5 comments
but wat bout diff types of screens? tablet diff from TV, rite?
so wat it mean, screen bad for babiez? more study need?
study show link btween screen time n delays, not causation. imp info 4 parents!
imp to see impact on diff skills, comms & prob-solvin.
gud info, screen time n kids is serius stuff, need more lookin.