How Screen Time Could Be Affecting Young Children's Brain Development
As a pediatric ophthalmologist (and a mom), I get so many questions about screen time and its effects on young kids. We all know screens are part of our everyday lives, but how do they really impact early brain development?
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics gives us some insight. While this study doesn’t prove that screen time causes brain changes, it does show some interesting connections that we need to pay attention to.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers looked at MRI scans of children aged 3 to 5 years, specifically analyzing their brain’s white matter—an area that plays a big role in:
Language development
Literacy skills
Cognitive functions
Kids who had higher screen time showed:
Lower white matter integrity, which means their brain pathways might not be developing as strongly.
Weaker language, literacy, and cognitive skills compared to kids with less screen time.
The MRI images showed that too much screen exposure was linked to delayed brain development, especially in areas responsible for language and literacy skills.
Screen Time Guidelines – What Should We Be Doing?
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus (AAPOS) recommend:
Under 18 months: No screen time, except for video chatting.
18 to 24 months: Limited screen time, only high-quality programming with a parent watching and engaging.
Ages 2 to 5 years: No more than one hour per day, and it should be focused on educational content.
My Thoughts as a Pediatric Ophthalmologist
I always tell parents—it’s not just about the amount of screen time, but also how screens are being used. Watching interactive, educational content with a caregiver is very different from passively watching hours of cartoons alone. In my video discussing this topic, I talk about how important it is to follow AAP guidelines while also making space for meaningful, screen-free activities.
Some of my favorite alternatives to screen time include:
Reading books together (this is huge for brain development!)
Engaging in interactive play (think pretend play, puzzles, or building blocks)
Encouraging outdoor activities (fresh air and movement are so important!)
Final Thoughts for Parents
We’re all navigating this digital world together, and it’s okay to use screens in moderation. The key is balance! Be mindful of your child’s screen time, focus on high-quality content, and make sure they’re also getting plenty of real-world interaction. If you want a simple way to help manage screen time in your home, grab my FREE Kids Screen Time Guide.
Reference: Hutton, J. S., Dudley, J., Horowitz-Kraus, T., DeWitt, T., & Holland, S. K. (2019). Associations Between Screen-Based Media Use and Brain White Matter Integrity in Preschool-Aged Children. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(9), 853
