In the study, researchers followed more than 5,000 children, questioning the children’s parents about the amount of time their children spent in front of screens on technological devices at the age of two. After 10 years, the researchers contacted the parents to ask whether any of their children had been diagnosed with autism.
The results showed that 145 children had been diagnosed with autism, and that children who spent more than 14 hours a week in front of screens at the age of two were more likely to develop autism by the age of 12, compared to children who spent less time in front of screens.
The researchers recommended that doctors include inquiries about the time a child spends in front of screens in early childhood, in their assessments of children’s development, emphasizing that this period may be an indicator that helps identify families that may need additional support.
However, some experts said caution should be exercised in interpreting these results, noting that the study does not prove a causal relationship between screen time and autism.
Dr. James Findon, professor of psychology at King’s College London, said that the results of the study show a link between screen time and autism, but it has not been found that screen time is the cause of autism.
Although this study is controversial, the researchers admitted that it is only an observational study and cannot prove a causal relationship between screen time and autism.
Last September, the Swedish Public Health Agency recommended that children under the age of two not be allowed to use tablets or watch television, while limiting screen time for children between two and five years to a maximum of one hour per day. For their part, officials in Denmark set similar guidelines in 2023 that limit children under the age of two to using devices in “special cases,” such as children with learning difficulties.
Source: Daily Mail
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Thompson, Child Development Specialist**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Thompson! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the impact of screen time on young children, particularly those under the age of two.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share what we’ve learned about this important topic.
**Editor:** Let’s dive right in. A recent study followed over 5,000 children, looking specifically at their screen time at the age of two. Can you summarize the main findings?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely. The study found that children under the age of two learn significantly less from screens compared to interactions with live people. It highlighted the crucial role that face-to-face interactions play in early development, particularly for language and social skills.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! What were some of the long-term effects observed in children who had high screen time earlier in life?
**Dr. Thompson:** After ten years, parents reported that children who had excessive screen time at age two struggled more with communication and social interactions compared to their peers. This underscores the importance of parental engagement and the quality of interactions over the quantity of screen time.
**Editor:** So, what can parents do to ensure their children are developing adequately in this digital age?
**Dr. Thompson:** One of the key recommendations is co-viewing. When parents watch or engage with media alongside their children, they can help contextualize what they see and hear. This interaction not only enhances understanding but also encourages discussion and critical thinking.
**Editor:** Great advice! Are there any particular types of content you would recommend for young children, or should parents just stick to live interactions?
**Dr. Thompson:** While live interactions are ideal, if parents do choose to use screen time, I recommend high-quality educational programming that encourages engagement and critical thinking. However, it’s important to limit exposure and choose content that promotes learning rather than passive consumption.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson! It sounds like balance is key in navigating screen time for our little ones.
**Dr. Thompson:** Exactly! It’s all about finding that sweet spot between utilizing technology effectively and fostering meaningful connections through direct interaction.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Thompson. It’s crucial for parents to understand the effects of screen time on their children’s development.
**Dr. Thompson:** My pleasure! Thank you for bringing awareness to this important issue.
