Today, screen use has become an indispensable part of daily life for individuals of all ages. However, when it comes to children in their developmental years, the effects of screen use are much more pronounced and directly experienced. Early childhood is a critical period in which cognitive, language, socio-emotional, and motor skills develop rapidly. During this stage, the amount of time spent in front of screens and the type of content consumed strongly influence children’s learning styles, communication skills, and interactions with their environment.
Excessive screen exposure can shorten children’s attention spans and negatively affect their play and learning processes. Yet, in early childhood, the most fundamental building block of development is learning and discovery through play. Children who spend long periods in front of screens and become accustomed to intense stimuli may react differently when they cannot encounter the same level of stimulation in daily life. This may manifest as drifting off during play, struggling to maintain attention, or displaying impulsive behaviors. Excessive screen time can also limit the development of children’s creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills.
One of the areas most clearly affected by screen use is language and communication. Children learn language best through reciprocal interaction, that is, by being exposed to it, and prolonged screen use negatively impacts this process. Research shows that screen exposure, especially in children who are just beginning to speak, can delay the onset of speech. Therefore, limiting screen time during early childhood is critically important for the healthy progression of language development.
In terms of social and emotional development, screen time is an important risk factor. Children primarily learn to develop empathy, express their emotions, and understand how to behave in social relationships while playing with peers or engaging in face-to-face interactions with adults. Increasing time spent in front of screens reduces these natural learning opportunities, negatively affecting social-emotional development.
Physical development is also directly influenced by screen use. Prolonged inactivity can slow the development of both fine and gross motor skills. It is important to remember that play and movement are indispensable for children to develop these abilities.
Scientific Recommendations for Screen Use in Children
Scientific recommendations regarding screen use in early childhood have been shaped with children’s developmental needs in mind. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that children aged 3–4 should not spend more than one hour per day in front of screens, and that even less time is much more beneficial (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). It also highlights the importance of ensuring that the content is high-quality, educational, and preferably viewed together with a parent. In addition, experts stress that dividing screen time into short intervals of 10–15 minutes, rather than one long period, can help reduce potential negative effects of screen exposure.
Recommendations for Healthy Screen Use for Families
It is very important for families to take an active role in ensuring that children develop a healthy relationship with screens. Spending screen time together with the child and reinforcing the content through conversation supports learning. Making sure that the chosen content is age-appropriate, free from violence and rapid scenes, and as educational as possible is also a critical point for development. Fixing screen use to certain times of the day creates a predictable routine for the child and makes control easier. In addition, designating areas such as the dining table and bedroom as screen-free zones strengthens family communication and helps protect sleep routines. Furthermore, parents limiting their own screen time and serving as role models is of critical importance.
In short, limiting duration, carefully selecting content, and adults being good role models are the most essential steps for healthy screen use.
