Cognitive development: Excessive screen media usage can impair decision-making, sensori-motor development, and academic outcomes, leading to lower cognitive abilities and academic performance later in life.
Language development: Screen time reduces the quality and quantity of interactions between children and caregivers, affecting language skills. Co-viewing and content appropriateness can influence the extent of these effects.
Social-emotional development: Excessive screen usage is linked to issues like obesity, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and impaired emotional comprehension. It can also promote aggressive behavior and hinder social and emotional competence.
Obesity and self-esteem: The link between excessive screen time, sleep deprivation, and obesity can lead to lower self-esteem, social isolation, and more screen time.
Parental role: Parents should set an example by managing their own screen time and setting limits for children, which can help reduce excessive screen usage and promote healthier habits.