We have previously talked about the "screen time" that is recommended for children to have according to their age and that includes tablets, mobiles and television. Various studies have shown that excessive use could affect children, especially if used early.
Now, a new study has found that Screen abuse negatively affects children's intelligence and cognitive development, especially when it is combined with inadequate rest.
The study
Analyzing information from more than 20 studies conducted in the United States between 2016 and 2017, this study is the first annual summary of a study proposed to last 10 years.
In them, 4,524 American children between 8 and 11 years old participated. Physical activity time, leisure time in front of screens and the duration of daily sleep were taken into account, comparing them with recommendations for children of these ages.
In Babies and more Recommendations (by age) on physical activity and screen time in childhoodBased on a Canadian plan called the 24-hour Movement, the recommendations would be as follows:
- At least 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
- Two hours or less of leisure time in front of the screens.
- From 9 to 11 hours of sleep per night.
Among all the participants, only 51% of them complied with the recommendations of the hours of sleep, 37% with those of the hours of screen and 18% with the recommendations of physical activity. Overall, 71% complied with at least one of the recommendations, while only 5% met the recommended times in the three activities.
After conducting a series of tests, it was found that there is a strong relationship between the use of screens and the development of children, and that the longer the use, the worse cognitive development was shown in children.
In contrast, the more the three recommendations in the study were met, the children's overall cognitive outcome was better, but this became more noticeable and with better results, especially in those children who had less than two hours a day in front of a screen.
In Babies and more “screen time” is more than setting limitsAn also important aspect of the study is the way in which screen time also influences children's sleep. Previously in other studies it has been shown that screens are enemies of good childhood sleep, which is something extremely important to have and respect during childhood, because it greatly influences their development.
The researchers think that the use of screens beyond the recommended time decreases the benefits of sleep, since children do not get a good rest, which also speaks not only of the amount of time, but of the schedules in which they are used.
While this is not the first study that talks about the possible negative effects that leisure time can have on screens, it serves as a strong reminder to limit the use of mobile phones, tablets and television, and place more emphasis on establishing good habits, such as a good rest.
