Toddlers and preschoolers who spent high amounts of time in front of televisions, computers or digital devices were found to be less likely to reach milestones for communication skills, motor skills and problem-solving by age five. Lead author Dr. Sheri Madigan, from the University of Calgary, found screen time is creating some disparities in children’s development over time. Dr. Madigan, who holds the Canada Research Chair in the determinants of child development, indicates that excessive screen time is likely a key contributor to findings that show one-quarter of Canadian children are ill-prepared for learning when they begin school. On the other hand, Britain’s Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health released its guide on screen time for clinicians and parents, stating there is “essentially no evidence” to support the popular idea that screen time is directly “toxic” to one’s health.
NBHC Population Health