Is Screen Time Ever OK for Babies and Toddlers?

Plunking your kid in front of the TV or giving them a tablet to play with seems like a handy way to grab some me time. Unfortunately, recent research into child development raises concerns about screens for children under 18 months.

While the availability of screens as entertainment and distraction for your child is tempting, is screen time ever OK for babies and toddlers? Here’s what experts are saying.

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Babies, Screens, and Brain Development

Screen exposure at an early age can affect brain development. The brain produces different types of waves, including beta and theta waves. Beta waves happen with active, engaged mental activity, while theta waves occur during states of relaxation and drowsiness. Research has shown that screen time tends to increase theta wave activity, which isn’t ideal for periods meant for active learning and interaction.

Excessive screen time during infancy can have future consequences. It may lead to issues with attention span, cognitive development, and even social skills. Therefore, you should limit screen time during these formative years.

American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations About Screen Time

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has weighed in on screen time. Children younger than 18 months should avoid screens entirely, except for video chatting. For children aged 18 to 24 months, they advise introducing digital media slowly, limiting screen time to no more than one hour per day, and ensuring what’s on the screen is high-quality programming.

The Difference Between Active Participation and Passive Viewing

Not all screen time is bad. There’s a significant difference between active participation and passive viewing. For example, interactive video chats where there’s back-and-forth communication can be beneficial for language development.

Moreover, parents can alleviate negative effects by talking to their children about what’s on the screen and discussing characters, stories, and concepts. This interaction can turn screen time into a more engaging and educational experience.

Nonetheless, limiting screen time remains important. It discourages using screens to alleviate boredom. Quitting screen time, like overcoming a thumb-sucking habit, benefits kids by encouraging them to find more active and appropriate ways to entertain themselves. Limiting screen time offers kids the opportunity to play and learn, promoting creativity, problem-solving skills, and physical activity.

While screen time seems like a good way to gain a few moments of peace, parents should carefully consider the potential long-term effects. Parents should limit screen time for babies and toddlers and ensure that the screen time they allow is high-quality.

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