What the Study Says
A recent study has found that young children who spend more time using screens—such as phones, tablets or watching TV—are more likely to show delays in their development. The study focused on Kids Below 5 years old. It showed that children who used screens for more than 2 hours a day were often slower to reach important milestones, like learning to talk, walk or play with others.
This doesn’t mean screens are always bad—but when they take up too much time, they can replace healthy activities that help children learn and grow
How Screens Affect Children
When children watch screens for too long, they may miss out on important learning moments like:
- Talking with parents or friends
- Running, jumping or using their hands to play
- Encouraging Problem Solving and Imaginative Play
These real-life activities are very important for brain growth.
Screen Time by Age
Doctors recommend:
- Under 18 months: void screen use entirely, except for video chatting with family or caregivers.
- 18–24 months: If screens are introduced, watch together and choose only age-appropriate, high-quality programs.
- 2 to 5 years: Limit screen use not more than one hour per day, focusing on educational and enriching content that promotes learning and creativity.
It also helps if a parent or adult watches with the child and talks about what they see.
What Parents Can Do
Here are some simple tips:
- Set a daily screen time limit
- Spend time engaging your child with hands-on activities like toys and books
- Keep screens out of bedrooms and during meals
- Spend some time with Kids and play physical games
- Be a role model for your child
Conclusion
Screens are a part of life, but too much screen time can slow down a child’s learning and growth. Young children learn best from playing, talking and moving. Aim to create a healthy routine that includes both digital media and some of real-world play.. A little change every day can help your child grow strong and smart.