screen time ‘likely to have a positive effect on kids’ but only if parents tune in, too

it's all about the quality of what's being watched, not the quantity.

by dave yasvinski

published sep 27, 2022

last updated sep 29, 2022

3 minute read

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3 minute read

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screen time for kids isn't always a bad thing

researchers found evidence that screen time can be beneficial if a parent or adult is present and available to interact with the child and answer any questions they may have. getty

a new study has found that screen time, from a tv or mobile device, can be beneficial for small children but it all depends on what they’re watching and who they’re with. the research, published in frontiers in psychology, examined 478 studies over the past two decades in an attempt to determine the role passive screen use has on the cognitive development of young minds. while the analysis revealed that tv exposure at an early age can be detrimental to play, language development and executive functioning, their study revealed there’s plenty of room for nuance.

“we’re used to hearing that screen exposure is bad for a child and can do serious damage to their development if it’s not limited to, say, less than an hour a day,” said eszter somogyi, from the department of psychology at the university of portsmouth in the uk. “while it can be harmful, our study suggests the focus should be on the quality or context of what a child is watching, not the quantity. weak narrative, fast-paced editing and complex stimuli can make it difficult for a child to extract or generalize information.

“but when screen content is appropriate for a child’s age, it’s likely to have a positive effect — particularly when it’s designed to encourage interaction.”

the team found evidence that screen time can be beneficial if a parent or adult is present and available to interact with the child and answer any questions they may have. “families differ a lot in their attitudes toward the use of media,” somogyi said. “these differences in viewing context play an important role in determining the strength and nature of tv’s impact on children’s cognitive development.

“watching television with your child and elaborating and commenting on what is viewed can help enhance their understanding of the content, reinforcing their learning during educational programs. co-viewing can also contribute to the development of their conversation skills and provide children with a role model for appropriate television viewing behaviour.”

while finding the right content for your child can make all the difference in the world, the study stresses that this screen time should not replace socializing or other learning activities. parents should strive to create an environment that fosters learning, such as by choosing age-appropriate content and making sure there isn’t a second screen or device playing in the background.

“the important ‘take home message’ here is that caregivers should keep in mind new technologies,” said bahia guellaï, from the department of psychology at paris nanterre university. “television or smartphones should be used as potential tools to compliment some social interactions with their young children but not to replace it.

“i think the most important challenge of our societies for future generations is to make adults and young people aware of the risk of an unconsidered or inappropriate use of screen time. this will help in preventing situations in which screens are used as the new type of childminding, as it has been during the pandemic lockdowns in different countries.

ultimately, the key lies in finding the right balance between allowing technology to help educate the next generation and letting it take over. “i am optimistic with the concept of finding an equilibrium between the rapid spread of new technological tools and the preservation of the beautiful nature of human relationships.” guellaï said.

dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.

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