Is the use of technology hurting our child’s brain?
There have been years of speculation, bickering and self-made theories of whether or not the use of iPhones and iPads would harm our children’s cognitive development. We finally have an answer, well… sort of. A study conducted in early November, 2019, showed a strong correlation that high levels of screen time may negatively impact brain development. The correlation was especially high in preschoolers. An emphasis was placed on correlation because it does not necessarily mean causation. Let’s dive deeper into the subject matter…
Children exposed to high amounts of screen time showed lower levels of white matter.
The brain consists of both grey and white matter. The white matter is the tissue through which the neurological messages pass between the gray matter within the brain.
Many of you may be wondering why white matter matters (pun intended). After conducting some research I found that white matter refers to the central nervous system (CNS), specifically the myelinated axons called tracts. The white matter in the brain affects things such as: learning, brain functions, distribution of action potentials and relaying communication between brain regions. This all impacts overall cognitive development in children.
This was the first study ever to document associations between high screen use and low measures of brain structure says John Hutton, pediatrician and clinical researcher at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Parents of the children (ranging from ages 3 to 5) had to fill out surveys regarding how much screen time they allowed their child to have. Some other criteria consisted of whether or not they had a television in their room and/or if they were exposed to screens before 18 months.
After the survey was conducted, scans of the children’s brains were taken and they were given a “ScreenQ Score”. This score reflected the criteria within the survey. The scores ranged from 0 to 26. The higher the score, the less of the compliance held to the recommendations given by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
What are the statistics?
Out of the 69 preschool children that had been exposed to high levels of screen time, 47 of them had decreased levels of white matter in the brain.
Please do not become a nervous rex and feel like you have been failing your child just yet!
Remember from the beginning when I said correlation does NOT equal causation? Well there is a strong possibility that other factors could be at play. For example, the study as a whole was very small. It was a miracle that 10 of those kids even got into a scary looking MRI machine that looks like it will swallow you whole, never mind 47!
The extended screen time could just be taking away necessary activities that are crucial to cognitive development. The AAP says that the best toys are the ones that involve interactions. An example of this would be books. Books are great for cognitive development, especially if they are picture books. Picture books will broaden vocabulary and stimulate curiosity.
Some other crucial activities include just having conversations with your child. Taking them to museums, aquariums and parks can stimulate developmental abilities.
It is important to remember to take time out of your child’s day and really connect with them! The lack of conversing and playing with your child could be the real reason of the decrease in white matter in the brain.
Something you absolutely need to avoid at absolutely all costs. DON’T BE LIKE THIS GUY!
NEVER use electronics to calm a child down. The AAP claims that this will lead to children developing problems with emotional coping skills.
They encourage parents to conversate with their kids during the brief time they are using electronics.
Additionally, kids should avoid screens at all costs before the age of 18 months.
References
Fox, E. G. (2019, November 7). There’s evidence that high levels of screen time in preschoolers may hinder brain development. Retrieved from https://www.insider.com/high-screen-time-use-kids-linked-to-lower-brain-development-2019-11.
Hutton, J. S. (2019, November 4). Associations Between Screen Use and White Matter Integrity in Preschoolers. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2754101.
Ignore the Flashing Screens: The Best Toys Go Back to the Basics. (2018, December 3). Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/Ignore-the-Flashing-Screens-The-Best-Toys-Go-Back-to-the-Basics.aspx.
Kraus, R. (2019, November 6). 4 reasons not to freak out about the latest scary screen time study. Retrieved from https://sea.mashable.com/tech/7300/4-reasons-not-to-freak-out-about-the-latest-scary-screen-time-study.
White matter of the brain: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2019, November 6). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002344.htm.
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