Negative Screen Time Effects on Young Children

Statistics show that screen time negatively affects children’s learning abilities and development. “The effects of so much screen time can include speech delays, aggressive behavior and obesity.” (Lavey) Since parents play a role in how much television their kids can watch, they can minimize the chances of their brains not developing correctly. “The first 2 years of life are considered a critical time for brain development. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which encourages learning and healthy physical and social development.” (Kids Health) Children do
Parents are a big cause of this because the majority of them do not care how much or how often their children watch television. Some even encourage it, and think that it is good for their children. “Studies show that screen time cuts into the adult-child interaction that is crucial to developing language skills.” (Lavey) So, if parents do not pay attention to the amount of screen time their children are exposed to when they are young, it can affect their ability to learn how to speak correctly. Many programs on television teach kids things that are unacceptable or that can affect them in negative ways. Commercials and other ads, as well as many shows. demonstrate unethical and unhealthy ways to live life, and children, at such young ages, can easily pick up on those things and make them habits of their own. Everything from stereotypes to violence, unhealthy eating habits to drugs, alcohol and sex is shown on television on a variety of channels. “Children who consistently spend more than 4 hours per day watching television are more likely to be overweight. Kids who view violent acts are more likely to show aggressive behavior but also fear that the world is scary and that something bad will happen to them. Television characters often depict risky behaviors, such as smoking and drinking, and also