New research on the effects of screens on children

Scientists at the University of Auckland conducted two studies involving 3,787 children from New Zealand and their parents to assess the effect of screen time on a child’s psyche. In the first of them, experts examined the potential connection of devices with attention deficit and hyperactivity in children 2 years and older, in the second – 4.5 years.

The scientists conducted a survey with the participants to find out how much time they spent in front of the television, and their habits of watching cartoons and series. The children also passed a series of tests to identify signs of hyperactivity and attention deficit.

Screens do not affect children’s behavior

The results showed that more than two hours of screen time did not cause behavioral problems. However, scientists have made another discovery: Children aged 4.5 years and older with symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder spend more time in front of television than their peers who do not have similar problems. According to the study’s authors, this suggests that watching television does not cause such symptoms, but simply calms hyperactive children.

Children with ADHD have trouble communicating with their peers, and television can be a less stressful alternative for them. They also have trouble concentrating on activities such as reading. The bright colors and dynamics of the movement on the screen can attract more attention,
– Scientists believe.

Earlier, American scientists conducted a study confirming that fears about the negative impact of screen time on the psyche of children have been greatly exaggerated. Experts found a small link between increased screen time and poor academic performance, decreased sleep time, and behaviors that show signs of attention deficit disorder.

However, more screen time was associated with more social media friends. Scientists suggest that the social nature of this use of screen time strengthens relationships between peers and allows them to stay together even if they are not close to each other.