With screens providing instantaneous access to connectivity, education, and entertainment in this digital age, they have become an essential part of our everyday lives. Recent studies, however, point to a possible connection between excessive screen usage and behavioural problems like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially in young children and infants.

The Rise of Screen Time: From Outdoor Play to Digital Domains

Once upon a time, children roamed freely outdoors, their imaginations ignited by nature’s playground. But in today’s fast-paced world, the lure of screens has confined many children to virtual boxes, replacing the joys of outdoor exploration with the allure of digital entertainment. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and computers, children are spending more time in front of screens than ever before, leading to concerns about the consequences of this sedentary lifestyle.

According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association Paediatrics, children who grew up with a lot of screen time between the ages of two and three were more likely to exhibit behavioural issues by the time they were five years old. Another study published in JAMA Network Open suggested a potential association between screen time and autism symptoms in toddlers.

There is a complex relationship between more screen time and behavioural problems, including possible effects on the brain, which experts are actively researching. While studies are still being conducted, a number of important aspects are investigated to comprehend the relationship between children’s behavioural difficulties and excessive screen usage.

1. Neurological Stimulation and Dopamine Release: Because of its interactive features and visually appealing content, screens can stimulate the nervous system more than usual. In response, the brain releases dopamine, a chemical linked to reward and pleasure. Particularly in growing brains, overstimulation and excessive dopamine release may lead to a desensitisation of the reward system, which may require more stimuli to produce the same degree of enjoyment. This tendency raises worries regarding the development of screen-related dependencies and is similar to the addictive nature of some substances.
2. Social Isolation and Impairment of Social Skills: Children who spend too much time on screens may become socially isolated as a result of their increased screen time relative to in-person interactions. The development of critical social skills, such as empathy, communication, and nonverbal cue interpretation, might be impacted by a lack of in-person social experiences. An inability to create and sustain connections is one behavioural obstacle that could be caused by this social impairment.
3. Decreased Physical Activity: A decrease in physical activity is frequently correlated with an increase in screen time. Sedentary behaviour has been linked to a number of behavioural problems, such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulties focusing. Problems with emotional control and mental health can also result from a lack of physical activity.
4. Blue Light Exposure and Eye Strain: Blue light from screens can irritate and strain the eyes. Digital eye strain, which manifests as headaches, dry eyes, and trouble focusing, can be brought on by extended exposure. Anger and restlessness may be exacerbated by physical discomfort and visual stress, and they may even present as behavioural issues.
5. Disrupted Attention and Executive Function: Prolonged screen usage might affect a growing brain’s capacity for sustained attention and executive function, particularly when exposed to fast-paced and constantly-changing information. Continuous exposure to stimuli that need quick attentional shifts may be a factor in difficulties with executive function, which includes sustained attention, impulse control, and task organisation and planning.

Individual reactions to screen exposure can differ, even though these factors offer some insight into the possible mechanisms underlying the association between screen time and behavioural issues. Furthermore, researchers highlight the necessity of conducting detailed and situation-specific research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of this connection and guide recommendations for children’s safe screen time.