Children’s early years play an important role in shaping the skills and abilities they carry into later life. New research is drawing attention to how children’s everyday experiences including their use of digital devices, may influence development during this important period.
A recent conceptual paper published in Brain Health examined existing research on childhood development and the ways sensory experiences, movement, social interaction, culture and the surrounding environment can influence the developing brain.
The researchers introduced the term “criticome” to describe the collection of experiences that may shape a person’s development during childhood and the years that follow.
According to co-author Dr Julio Licinio, development takes place during a critical period extending from birth into early adulthood. Experiences during these years can contribute to the development of abilities that may be more difficult to establish later.
The researchers noted that the review itself does not establish exactly how screen use affects children’s long-term brain development. More research over several decades would be needed to determine those effects. However, the findings raise questions about how much time children spend using phones, tablets, computers, televisions and other digital devices.
One concern is that digital screens can provide highly stimulating experiences through bright colours, rapid changes and constantly changing content. For some children, this may make activities without screens appear less engaging.
Activities such as playing with other children, riding bicycles, visiting outdoor spaces and participating in hands-on activities provide different types of social, sensory and physical experiences.
Children develop important social skills through direct interaction with parents, relatives, teachers and other children.
Spending time with other people gives children opportunities to communicate, interpret facial expressions, cooperate, solve disagreements and develop relationships. Excessive time on digital devices can potentially reduce the amount of time available for these activities.
The researchers and experts cited in the report therefore emphasise the importance of balancing screen use with real-world interaction.
Physical activity is another consideration. Time spent sitting and using screens can replace opportunities for movement and outdoor play. The research discussed in the article also links high levels of screen use with concerns surrounding childhood physical health including reduced physical activity and eating while watching screens.
Childhood is also an important period for developing language, music, movement and other skills.
The research suggests that certain parts of the brain develop through repeated use and exposure during early life. Language is one example. Children generally have greater opportunities to develop language abilities when they are exposed to communication and interaction from an early age.
The same principle can apply to activities such as music and art. Regular exposure and practice during childhood can help establish the foundations for developing these skills.
This makes childhood experiences particularly important when families consider how children spend their free time.
Instead of allowing digital devices to occupy large portions of the day, parents can encourage children to participate in activities involving conversation, reading, music, creative work, sports, outdoor play and face-to-face interaction.
For families that have become accustomed to frequent screen use, reducing access to devices may be challenging.
Children who spend substantial amounts of time using digital devices may become frustrated when their access is reduced. Experts cited in the article suggest that parents should approach the change as a gradual and planned adjustment rather than simply removing devices without alternatives.
Parents can explain why household screen rules are changing and involve children in creating new routines. Providing other activities can also make the transition easier.
Outdoor activities, trips to parks or beaches, swimming, cycling, sports and family activities can provide alternatives to screen-based entertainment.
The growing body of research on children’s screen use does not mean that technology must be completely removed from children’s lives. Digital devices can provide educational resources, communication tools and entertainment.
The key consideration is how technology fits into a child’s overall daily routine.
Parents can look at how much time children spend on screens and consider what activities may be replacing that time. Regular opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, creative activities, reading and hands-on learning can help create a more balanced routine.
The recent research highlights the importance of childhood experiences in development while also acknowledging that the long-term effects of screen use require further study.
As understanding of children’s digital habits continues to develop, families may benefit from reassessing how devices are used at home and ensuring that screen time does not consistently replace the social, physical and learning experiences children need during their formative years.
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Asian Burg / Health / Technology
