Appropriate Screen Time for Toddlers and Preschoolers: The Cons of Overuse

Did you know that excessive screen usage can have detrimental impacts on infants and toddlers, including decreased empathy and a shorter attention span?   The director of the documentary Brain Matters, Carlota Nelson, examines the negative effects of excessive screen time on infants and the significance of making sure children have enjoyable experiences away from screens. 

The Effects of Screen Time on Children   

Many parents, in today’s tech driven world, use screens to keep young children entertained or distracted while they do other tasks. It functions in a way that virtually nothing else can hold children's attention, giving parents a little respite. However, what effects do screens have on developing brains, and how much screen time is appropriate for children? 

Brain scientists are still uncovering ways screens impact developing minds, but one thing is clear—they can help parents understand why real-world experiences matter. Children need time away from screens to explore, interact, and build essential social and cognitive skills. That’s how they grow into happier, healthier individuals. 

Babies Learn Best Through Human Interaction 

Patricia Kuhl, a leading brain scientist who studies over 4,000 babies each year, has made a striking discovery—babies under one year old do not learn from screens. “Even if you show them captivating videos, the difference in learning is extraordinary,” she explains. “You get genius learning from a live human being, and you get zero learning from a machine.” This is why the World Health Organization strongly advises against screen time for toddlers under 2 and recommends no more than one hour per day for children aged 2 to 4. 

Screens Hijack Attention Spans 

To succeed in life, children need the ability to focus—and that skill starts developing in early childhood. Their brains rely on real-world interactions to grow, requiring time to absorb and process new information. Activities like reading books aloud allow toddlers to engage with words and images at a natural pace. However, excessive screen time for toddlers bombards them with fast-moving visuals, reducing their ability to concentrate and focus. 

Screens Weaken Impulse Control 

Boredom isn’t a bad thing—it helps children learn patience, develop creativity, and manage frustration. But when screen time for toddlers replaces unstructured play, they lose the ability to entertain themselves or regulate emotions. Overstimulation from screens makes it harder for young children to control impulses, which affects their motivation and imagination. 

Screens Reduce Empathy 

Research shows that screen time for toddlers can hinder their ability to recognize facial expressions and develop essential social skills. Face-to-face interactions are crucial for young children to understand emotions, non-verbal cues, and empathy. The more time they spend looking at screens instead of engaging with people, the harder it becomes to build meaningful connections. 

The Bottom Line 

Limiting screen time for toddlers is not just about reducing screen exposure—it’s about giving them the best chance to grow, learn, and thrive. At Dibber International Preschools, we encourage real-world interactions, playtime, and conversations with caregivers as these are irreplaceable in shaping a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. By being mindful of screen time for toddlers, parents can create an environment that fosters healthier, happier children.