Research
Research
Screen Time and Brain Development
The human brain is constantly developing, but experts refer to two "critical periods" for brain development: early childhood and adolescence. During these periods of time, the brain builds and strengthens neuronal connections that are well-used, and it also prunes away connections that are not often utilized. This is called synaptic pruning. The phrase "USE IT OR LOSE IT" rings true for brain development!
In fact, research has shown a thinning of certain brain structures, especially related to language and literacy, in children and adolescents exposed to excessive screen time. More research needs to be done before we can know exactly why this is happening, but it is concerning to see the brain thinning in areas that should be growing during these critical periods.
Which brain connections do we want to help children build more of? Which connections do we not want to be pruned away? Let's help children and families focus on the activities that have been proven through decades of research and experience to build strong, capable, resilient, critical- and creative- thinking brains!
Hutton JS, Dudley J, Horowitz-Kraus T, DeWitt T, Holland SK. Associations Between Screen-Based Media Use and Brain White Matter Integrity in Preschool-Aged Children. JAMA Pediatrica. 2020.
Hutton JS, Dudley J, DeWitt T, Horowitz-Kraus T. Associations between digital media use and brain surface structural measures in preschool-aged children. Scientific Reports. 2022.
Mingyang Li, Dan Wu, et al., Causal Relationships Between Screen Use, Reading, and Brain Development in Early Adolescents, Advanced Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307540
Play improves physical and mental health, builds resilience, and strengthens many foundational skills, such as: problem solving, critical thinking, creative thinking, and communication.
Hesketh and Dodd. More play and fewer screens: a way to improve preschoolers’ mental health? Cross-sectional findings from the British Preschool-children’s Play Survey. The Lancet, 2023.
Dodd HF, Nesbit RJ, FitzGibbon L. Child's Play: Examining the Association Between Time Spent Playing and Child Mental Health. Child Psychiatry & Human Development. 2023.
Lee RLT, Lane SJ, Tang ACY, Leung C, Louie LHT, Browne G, Chan SWC. Effects of an Unstructured Free Play and Mindfulness Intervention on Wellbeing in Kindergarten Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020.
Burdette HL, Whitaker RC. Resurrecting free play in young children: looking beyond fitness and fatness to attention, affiliation, and affect. Arch Pediatric Adolescent Medicine. 2005
Outdoor time improves physical and mental health, mitigates the negative effects of screen time, strengthens cognition and academic learning, and builds communication and language skills.
Sugiyama M, et al. Outdoor Play as a Mitigating Factor in the Association Between Screen Time for Young Children and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. JAMA Pediatr. 2023.
Burdette HL, Whitaker RC. Resurrecting free play in young children: looking beyond fitness and fatness to attention, affiliation, and affect. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005
Larouche R, et al. Determinants of Outdoor Time in Children and Youth: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal and Intervention Studies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023
Scott S, Gray T, Charlton J, Millard S. The Impact of Time Spent in Natural Outdoor Spaces on Children's Language, Communication and Social Skills: A Systematic Review Protocol. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022.
Work and chores build useful life skills, a strong work ethic, self-esteem, resilience to frustration and adversity, and a sense of belonging.
White EM, DeBoer MD, Scharf RJ. Associations Between Household Chores and Childhood Self-Competency. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. 2019.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Chores and Children. 2018.
Haden, Jeff. "Want to Raise More Successful (and Happier) Kids? Harvard Research Says Give Them More Chores". Inc. 2024.
Engaging with others strengthens language, commuication and interpersonal skills, builds empathy and creates community.
Brushe ME, Haag DG, Melhuish EC, Reilly S, Gregory T. Screen Time and Parent-Child Talk When Children Are Aged 12 to 36 Months. JAMA Pediatr. 2024.
Jones, D et al. Early Social-Emotional Functioning and Public Health: The Relationship Between Kindergarten Social Competence and Future Wellness. American Journal of Public Health. 2015.
Uhls, Y. et al. Five days at outdoor education camp without screens improves preteen skills with nonverbal emotion cues. Computers in Human Behavior. 2014.
Murphy, Bill. "Want to Be Truly Happy? Here's the Only Thing Harvard Researchers Say you Really Need". Inc. 2016.
Reading opens new worlds of knowledge, strengthens focus and attention, increases brain connectivity, and builds empathy. Shared reading also strengthens attachment.
Sheldon-Dean, Hannah, "Why is it important to Read to Your Child". Child Mind Institute. 2024.
"Why Do Kids Need Books?" National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance.
Bavishi A, Slade MD, Levy BR. A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity. Soc Sci Med. 2016.
Horowitz-Kraus T, Hutton JS. Brain connectivity in children is increased by the time they spend reading books and decreased by the length of exposure to screen-based media. Acta Paediatr. 2018.
Reading/Writing on paper vs. screen: