I recently attended a wedding ceremony, the kind of lively gathering where people are over dressed, conversations are vibrant, and laughter echoes in every corner. In the middle of the vibrant colours and chaos, though, one scene kept catching my attention. Everywhere I looked, kids were either absorbed in smartphones or tablets, their eyes glued to colourful animations and games. Some of the youngest children even had screens thrust into their hands by well-meaning parents, hoping to keep them quietly entertained. While the intention was understandable—no one wants a scene in the middle of a solemn ceremony—this made me pause.
I could not help but wonder: what are the long-term impacts of these little digital babysitters? This is a question that has been steadily growing in urgency, and it was compounded by a recent conversation I had with a preschool owner. They confided in me that, over the past few years, they’ve seen a significant rise in what they described as “autism-like symptoms” in children, likely due to excessive screen exposure. These symptoms include issues with eye contact, difficulties in social interactions, and an overall lack of focus and engagement.
The Hidden Cost of Screens
Children are incredibly impressionable, and their brains are developing at a rate faster than they ever will again in life. What they’re exposed to during these early years shapes their emotional, cognitive, and social development. Yet, more and more, screens are standing in for human interaction and hands-on learning. Studies have shown links between excessive screen time and increased risk of issues such as attention problems, sleep disruptions, and behavioral issues in young children.
This isn’t to say that all screens are “bad.” But when screens become the default mode of entertainment or are used as a crutch to hush children in social settings, we might be underestimating the potential for lasting effects on their mental and emotional health.
The Real Risks: More Than Meets the Eye
- Language and Social Delays: Screens are not humans. They do not respond, smile, or engage in the same way as people. When children miss out on real-life interactions, they may struggle to develop essential social skills and, over time, could face delays in language and communication abilities. I have been seeing many such cases around us. Somehow, it is not being talked about much may be because adults are really preoccupied in “important” work.
- Poor Attention Span and Concentration: Kids raised on fast-paced, constantly shifting stimuli (think flashing games or quick-cut YouTube videos) can find it harder to focus on one task at a time. This affects their ability to concentrate and be mindful in any given moment.
- Mental Health Concerns: Researches indicates links between excessive screen time and higher risks of anxiety, mood disorders, and depression in children. The instant gratification that screens provide can lead to dependency, which, when unmet, can cause frustration and behavioural issues.
- Potential Autism-like Symptoms: Overexposure to screens in very young children has been linked with autism-like symptoms, as the preschool owner mentioned. Excessive exposure can, in some cases, create social and cognitive developmental issues that mimic those seen in autism spectrum disorders. It’s worrisome to say the least.
Practical Steps to Break the Cycle
Our kids deserve a world that isn’t defined by pixels. They deserve to learn from hands-on experiences, to feel the textures of their surroundings, and to absorb the sights, sounds, and voices of the real world. Here are some ways we can reclaim that:
- Limit Screen Time with a “No Small Screen” Policy: Avoid giving smartphones or tablets to young children. If Steve Jobs prohibited his kids from using iPhones while they were growing up, I think you should too. Instead, if you want to offer screen time, consider only using a larger screen like a television, which keeps a healthy distance from the eyes and doesn’t offer that constant touch-and-swipe interaction.
- Curate Their Digital Experience: If you choose to introduce them to screens, make it purposeful. There are many high quality educational shows like Dr. Binocs or Ms. Rachel, which engage children with educational content while encouraging interaction and repetition in a fun, constructive way.
- Create Quality Screen-free Time: I know we are busy but time spent without screens is a gift we can give to our children. Dedicate time each day where you can involve with them face-to-face, exploring new books, drawing, storytelling, or simply talking.
- Encourage Outdoor Play and Exploration: Nothing replaces the benefits of outdoor play. Running, jumping, and exploring nature not only keeps children active but also enhances their sensory processing, creativity, and emotional resilience.
- Lead by Example: Children model their behaviour after adults. If they see us constantly on screens, they’ll think it’s the norm. So let’s be mindful of our own habits—keeping devices away during meals, family time, and while socializing.
A Final Thought
We can not deny that screens are an integral part of our world, but as parents and caregivers, we need to remember that they should not replace the actual human experiences. Children have unbelievable ability to learn, absorb, and be shaped by the environment around them. Let’s give them the best foundation we can. A foundation that fosters meaningful experiences and genuine human connection.