Excessive Screen Time in Children Linked to Risk-Taking Behavior and Sensory Processing Changes, American Survey Finds
A new survey published in JAMA Pediatrics has found that exposing children between one and two years of age to excessive screen time could lead to changes in their ability to process sensations and an increased tendency to seek “strong sensations” as they grow older. The survey, conducted in the United States on nearly 1500 children, suggests that prolonged exposure to digital screens at a young age can result in atypical sensory processing and an inclination towards risk-taking behavior.
According to the authors of the survey, these findings are significant as many developmental and behavioral disorders are associated with specific profiles in sensory processing capacity, which can be altered by early exposure to digital screens. The study also raises concerns about the potential risk of developing disorders such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder as a result of early digital exposure. Based on these findings, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding exposure to screens in children under 18-24 months.
The negative effects of excessive screen time are not limited to young children. Research conducted in Italy on over 8,700 students aged between eleven and seventeen has revealed a growing trend of addiction to the internet and social media among adolescents. The study found that around 2 percent of young people in Italy are exhibiting signs of Hikikomori, a disorder characterized by self-isolation and excessive reliance on digital devices. Additionally, over 100 thousand young people are engaging in compulsive and uncontrolled use of the internet, while another 500 thousand, especially males, are addicted or at high risk of developing an addiction to video games.
Experts have pointed out that the line separating an adolescent passion from a true addiction can be thin, especially as the adolescent brain is still in a phase of reorganization. However, when the use of digital devices becomes compulsive, affects daily habits, and results in feelings of distress when offline, it indicates a genuine addiction, associated with reduced mental health and negative social consequences.
Recognizing the signs of social discomfort and technology abuse is crucial in addressing these issues. Parents are encouraged to seek help from healthcare professionals if they suspect their children are struggling with excessive screen time and digital addiction. Interventions may include family and cognitive-behavioral therapies, and in selected cases, medical supervision and treatment with mood stabilizers or antidepressants may be necessary to address the underlying issues associated with addiction.
These studies shed light on the potential risks associated with early and excessive exposure to digital screens and underscore the need for responsible screen time management and monitoring of children’s digital engagement.