Voices Behind The Controversy
Now, what are some positive effects young children could potentially see when indulging in screens?
Testimonial from Dory Zayas
Freelance Journalist Dory Zayas shared in an article on PopSugar, I’m a Better Parent Because I Have an iPad Kid—Here’s Why, discusses how she balanced educational screen use with several other activities, academic responsibilities, and peer-to-peer interactions, for her toddler, often exceeding AAP guidelines, during the recent pandemic so she could complete household tasks and recharge. She references Board-Certified pediatrician Dr. Walsh, who supports an open-minded strategy to screen time, emphasizing that sensible screen use can offer children focused tasks and give parents breaks throughout the day (Zayas).
Zayas speaks to many parents today. The article presents the idea that even in 2025, screens can be integrated with other developmental activities when done thoughtfully. Dr. Walsh's input adds that, under the right conditions, screens might serve a practical function for both children’s engagement and parental well-being.
Possible Socio-Cognitive Effects
In a position statement, Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world, Michelle Ponti explains that well-designed, age-appropriate screen activities can be “powerfully pro-social,” helping children develop empathy, tolerance, respect, and even “antiviolence attitudes” (Ponti). Framing screen time as an opportunity for social learning shifts the focus from how long children watch to what they’re watching. The assumption that media teaches social values insinuates a subtle relationship between kids and screens, where screens aren't just distractions but tools of morality when used intentionally.
Ponti also notes that quality content can strengthen “language and social skills” in children “aged 2 years and older,” particularly for those from underprivileged backgrounds (Ponti). By pointing to benefits for children from underprivileged backgrounds, the statement highlights how screen content can serve as more than entertainment. It can offer early developmental support in places where educational resources might be limited.
More Potential Cognitive and educational Effects
Beginning around two years old, children can benefit from quality TV programs that are "well-designed, age-appropriate", and have specific educational goals, offering an additional way to support "early language and literacy" development (Ponti). In the same article by CHOC, referenced in the opposition, research also found that "programs designed specifically to teach children can help boost school readiness, even without adult presence." Children exposed to educational content tend to score higher in areas like "numbers, letters, colors, shapes, and spatial relations' compared to those who watch general adult TV" (CHOC).
Together, these points show how well-crafted educational programs can significantly support early learning, offering children a valuable resource for language, literacy, and cognitive development. Whether it's enhancing language skills or preparing them for school, these programs provide an effective supplement to traditional learning methods.
Most people who oppose or support screen use agree on how important co-viewing content with young children is.
Hello Pediatrics 2024 feature highlights the value of watching content with young children and discussing with them any issues or harmful content that may come about (Hello Pediatrics). Co-viewing strengthens educational messages and promotes conversation because children can ask their parents or caregivers more about the content being shown, this includes conversations about inappropriate material, which almost guarantees a safer and more productive media experience.
In the video linked below, Pediatrician and curator of Canada's Screen Time Guidelines Michelle Ponte asserts that "there should be no guilt around this" and "we are all in this together," as screens play a large role in education and development of children (00:59).
Rather than framing screen time as a failure of parenting, recognize that screens are a part of modern childhood and shift internal narratives to learning and teaching guided use rather than avoidance. No one is too young to learn media literacy.
What do those who oppose screen time in young children recommend and what are some potential negative effects could young children face when indulging in screens?
Possible Negative Cognitive Outcomes
A pediatric review from 2023, Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management, found that young children consuming over two hours of media a day “are more likely to experience behavioral problems and have poorer vocabulary acquisition." The same review also reported a study by “The Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development” reported a 7% reduction in class participation and a 6% decline in math abilities by fourth grade for each additional hour of TV time at age two”. (Mappalla et al.).
The review suggests a possible connection between early, prolonged screen exposure and later difficulties in school behavior, language development, and academic performance. The mention of a specific percentage drop in math and participation points to measurable impacts that may not be immediately visible in early childhood but emerge as children grow older.
Possible Physical Consequences
Screen emit blue light which can cause abnormalities in melatonin production (Hello pediatrics) because the brain associates blue light with morning/ day time. Another thing mentioned in a post by Hello Pediatrics, The Impact of Screen Time on Childhood Development in 2024 is that prolonged screen use promotes a "more sedentary lifestyle" and obesity related health issues. Mainly due to the fact that screens don't always require people to move around or even leave the room.
An assessment from the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in California found a study that reiterates that screen based devices are indirectly tied to increased weight issues in children. the study notes that children who utilize screens just two hours past reccomended limits are 42% more likely to be overweight (CHOC).
Guidelines and Reasons For Them
According to a pediatric feature, What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to a Kid’s Brain?, “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen use for preschool children, ages 2 to 5, to just one hour a day of high-quality programming (think Sesame Street or PBS)" (cross) the AAP conveys a desire to protect children from harmful or mindless content, such as the “brainrot”, low-quality, dopamine-boosting, short form content. In another periodical research notes that an “[o]verreliance on digital communication can hinder face-to-face social skills development” (Hello Pediatrics).
The concern here is that too much screen time may limit opportunities for face-to-face interaction, which is important during early childhood when social and emotional skills are developing. This raises questions about how screen use might interfere with learning empathy and basic communication, especially during a stage where these skills are typically learned through direct engagement with others.
Screen time for children sparks ongoing debate, with some highlighting its positive effects on learning and parental convenience. In contrast, others warn of potential risks like cognitive decline, behavioral issues, and physical health problems. Ultimately, co-viewing educational content with children offers a balanced solution to harness its benefits while minimizing the risks.
Conclusion
While screen time can have both positive and negative impacts, co-viewing educational content provides a way to maximize the benefits of media while keeping parents engaged. It’s a mindful approach that allows for learning and connection, offering a healthier relationship with screens.