8 Effects of Screen Time on Children: What Parents Need to Know

As digital technology becomes an integral part of our lives, understanding the effects of screen time on children is more critical than ever. During our recent webinar, “The Effect of Screens on Brain Development,” Dr. Crystal Collier shared her expertise on how screen time influences neurodevelopment, the science behind dopamine’s role in technology addiction, and practical strategies to foster healthier digital habits. Want to dive deeper into this critical topic? Watch the full webinar replay, where Dr. Collier unpacks these insights in greater detail and shares actionable strategies to support your child’s brain development.

Let’s explore the eight significant effects of screen time on children and how you can counterbalance them effectively.

1. Altered Neurodevelopment Milestones

By age 25, the brain matures fully, but the prefrontal cortex—responsible for decision-making and impulse control—is one of the last areas to develop. Excessive screen time can hinder this natural growth process, leaving children more reliant on their limbic system, which drives emotions and immediate rewards. This imbalance can delay critical skills like reasoning, planning, and risk assessment.

2. Increased Dopamine Dependency

Dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, plays a pivotal role in motivation and pleasure. Technology, including video games and social media, triggers dopamine spikes, creating addictive behaviors and reducing natural motivation for offline activities. Over time, this can lead to a need for greater stimulation to achieve the same level of satisfaction, fostering dependency.

3. Stunted Executive Functioning Skills

The brain’s “use it or lose it” principle means that neural connections are strengthened through repeated use. Excessive screen time can stunt the development of executive functioning skills like critical thinking, empathy, and self-regulation. These skills are essential for managing emotions, making responsible decisions, and achieving long-term goals.

4. Risk of Arrested Development

Prolonged screen exposure can lead to arrested development, where essential executive functioning skills fail to mature. This can result in impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation difficulties. Children may struggle with tasks requiring focus, patience, and problem-solving in the long term.

5. Addiction Potential

Dopamine-driven designs in apps and games condition the brain to seek instant gratification, increasing the likelihood of screen dependency and other addictive behaviors. These behaviors are often difficult to reverse without intentional intervention, and they can crowd out healthier habits like physical activity, reading, and in-person socializing.

6. Mental Health Challenges

Increased screen time has been linked to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, particularly when it replaces face-to-face interaction and free play. Constant comparison on social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Overuse of screens can also disrupt sleep, further impacting mental health and mood stability.

7. Reduced Empathy

Studies show that excessive time spent on video games or social media can dull a child’s capacity for empathy and interpersonal connection, as these activities prioritize stimulation over emotional engagement. For instance, violent video games may desensitize children to the feelings of others, while social media fosters superficial interactions over deep relationships.

8. Impact on Learning and Focus

High screen usage can impair a child’s ability to focus, retain information, and develop strong learning habits. The overstimulation from screens reduces their ability to engage deeply with educational material or develop critical thinking skills. This can hinder academic performance and make sustained attention to complex tasks more challenging.

Practical Strategies for Parents

Now that we understand the challenges, let’s look at some practical strategies to promote healthier habits and support your child’s brain development:

• Implement the Brain Balance Rule: For every hour spent on recreational screen time, children should engage in an equal amount of offline activities, such as sports, hobbies, or free play.

• Delay Smartphone Use: Avoid giving children smartphones before high school and restrict access to social media until at least age 16. For younger children who need a phone, consider options like basic phones that do not include internet or gaming capabilities.

• Encourage Free Play: Unstructured, screen-free playtime fosters creativity, problem-solving, and social skills, helping children develop vital executive functions.

• Create Tech-Free Zones: Establish areas or times where devices are not allowed, such as during family meals, bedtime, or outdoor activities.

The Role of Parents

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s relationship with technology. Open communication, consistent boundaries, and modeling healthy habits are essential. Practical tips include:

• Start Conversations: Talk to your child about the effects of screens on their brain. Explain why limits are necessary and involve them in creating a family technology plan.

• Reward Positive Behaviors: Use brain-based praise to encourage growth in executive functioning skills like responsibility, organization, and self-regulation.

• Monitor Screen Use: Use tools like OurPact to set limits and review your child’s digital activity. Ensure transparency to maintain trust and accountability.

Finding the Right Balance

Creating a balanced approach to screen time is key to supporting your child’s development. Our recommendations provide a clear path forward:

• Under age 13: Avoid screens whenever possible, focusing on face-to-face interaction and free play.

• Ages 13–15: Allow limited screen time with clear boundaries and monitoring.

• Ages 16 and older: Gradually increase digital autonomy with regular check-ins and active guidance.

Conclusion

Understanding the effects of screen time on children can empower you to make informed decisions about their digital habits. By staying informed, implementing clear boundaries, and leveraging the right tools, you can help your child thrive both online and offline.

If you’d like to explore this topic further, we have plenty of resources to support you. For starters, watch the full webinar replay, “The Effect of Screens on Brain Development,” for a detailed exploration of the topic and actionable strategies to foster healthier digital habits.

For a more hands-on approach, consider bringing Cyber Safety Cop to your school. Our Cyber Safety Seminars for Parents offer tailored advice and strategies to empower families in navigating online safety challenges effectively.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can build the confidence and knowledge needed to guide your child through the digital world. Together, we can work towards a safer, more balanced online experience for our families. With the right tools and strategies, we can help our kids thrive in a secure digital environment.

For more resources, consider exploring Dr. Collier’s book The Neuro-Whereabouts Guide or my book, Parenting in the Digital World, which provides actionable advice on managing your child’s online safety and fostering healthy digital habits.