Screen Time and Young Children: Promoting Health and Development in a Digital World

Overview

Journal Paediatr Child Health

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Pediatrics

Date 2018 Mar 31

PMID 29601064

Citations 101

Affiliations

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Abstract

The digital landscape is evolving more quickly than research on the effects of screen media on the development, learning and family life of young children. This statement examines the potential benefits and risks of screen media in children younger than 5 years, focusing on developmental, psychosocial and physical health. Evidence-based guidance to optimize and support children's early media experiences involves four principles: minimizing, mitigating, mindfully using and modelling healthy use of screens. Knowing how young children learn and develop informs best practice strategies for health care providers.

Citing Articles

Early Years Practitioners' and Public Health Consultants' Perspectives on the Use of Interactive Electronic Devices in Young Children: A Qualitative Study.

Azevedo L, Downes M, Eastburn S, Covell J, Bissell P Child Care Health Dev. 2025; 51(1):e70022.

PMID: 39800360 PMC: 11725388. DOI: 10.1111/cch.70022.

Multidimensional screen exposure and its impact on psychological well-being in toddlers.

Luo S, Guo W, Chen H, Zhu Y, Zhu G, Jia Y Front Public Health. 2024; 12:1466541.

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The impact of screen time and social media on youth self-harm behaviour and suicide: A protocol for a systematic reviews.

Gillespie K, Branjerdporn G, Woerwag Mehta S, Glegg J, Porter M, Bartlett S PLoS One. 2024; 19(12):e0314621.

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Role of home nurturing environment on early childhood neurodevelopment: a community-based survey in Shanghai, China.

Jiang C, Li X, Du B, Huang J, Li Y, Zhang Y BMC Pediatr. 2024; 24(1):721.

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