Is Your Preschooler an iPad Kid?

You might think you are giving your child a head start in tech, or maybe you just need to survive your busy parenting day. We get it! Everybody loves Ms. Rachel on Youtube/Netflix, right? But a new study shows that handing your young child a screen to occupy them is likely damaging their chances for academic success by the time they are 9 years old.

The Impact of Early Screen Exposure on Academic Achievement

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics in February 2023 examined the relationship between screen time in infancy and later cognitive development. Researchers found that increased screen time during infancy was associated with poorer executive functioning at age nine. Executive functions include skills such as emotional regulation, the ability to focus attention, memory, learning, and mental health. All of these are the components of academic success.

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?

The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes loose guidelines on screen time for different age groups. They suggest no screen time at all until age 2, then an hour or less of screen time per day for ages 2 – 5. 

Hytosha McDaniels, Director of The Seedling School in Claremont, California says their school does not bring screens into the classroom until age 4 and 5, when they are used sparingly in learning centers. McDaniels offers this mindset, "Think of a young child's brain like a garden; too much screen time is like pouring concrete over the soil, preventing healthy growth and exploration; playing, interacting, and exploring the world are the sunshine and water that help a child's brain blossom.". 

So what can a parent do to set their child up for academic success? Start small and slowly replace a few minutes of screen time with activities that create that sunshine! Find more human interaction with: 

1. Interactive Play: Keep a survival bag of sensory toys, books, and hands-on activities that stimulate their senses and encourage exploration. This type of play supports cognitive and motor development, but you need to have it handy. 
    
2. Outdoor Exploration: Spending time outdoors allows infants to experience different environments, enhancing their physical health and sensory experiences. Activities like throwing rocks into a body of water can be both entertaining and educational. That's not wasting time, that's age-appropriate learning. 
    
3. Music and Movement: Turn on Spotify! Introduce your child to music through singing, dancing, or playing simple instruments. This can improve auditory skills and promote physical coordination.
    
4. Co-viewing: If you absolutely must pull out that smartphone or iPad for an episode of Bluey (we don't judge), try to enjoy it together. Ask your child about their favorite character, ask them to name colors and sounds, or ask what they would do if they were in that show. This turns passive screen time into an emotional moment where they can practice observation, learn new words, and problem-solve. Those are all skills that support cognitive development, and in turn the future academic success of your child.