Babies and toddlers exposed to television or video viewing may be more likely to exhibit atypical sensory behaviors, such as being disengaged and disinterested in activities, seeking more intense stimulation, or being overwhelmed by sensations. Researchers at Drexel’s College of Medicine found that children exposed to greater TV viewing by their second birthday were more likely to develop atypical sensory processing behaviors, as reported in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
SENSORY STRAINS: RESEARCH REVEALS EFFECTS OF EARLY SCREEN EXPOSURE ON TODDLERS
According to the study, children exposed to more TV viewing by their second birthday showed a higher likelihood of developing atypical sensory processing behaviors by 33 months old. These behaviors include “sensation seeking,” “sensation avoiding,” and “low registration,” indicating less sensitivity or slower responses to stimuli.
The researchers analyzed data from the National Children’s Study, covering 1,471 children nationwide, focusing on screen exposure at 12, 18, and 24 months. Sensory processing outcomes were assessed at 33 months using the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile questionnaire.
KEY FINDINGS
- At 12 months, any screen exposure compared to none was associated with a 105% greater likelihood of exhibiting “high” sensory behaviors.
- At 18 months, each additional hour of daily screen time increased the odds of later sensation avoiding and low registration.
- At 24 months, each additional hour of daily screen time was linked to increased odds of “high” sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding at 33 months.
The study highlights the potential consequences of early screen exposure on sensory processing skills crucial for a toddler’s efficient response to sensory stimuli.
IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENTAL WELL-BEING
The findings add to concerns about health and developmental outcomes linked to screen time in infants and toddlers, including language delay, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral issues, sleep struggles, attention problems, and problem-solving delays.
“This association could have important implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, as atypical sensory processing is much more prevalent in these populations,” said lead author Karen Heffler, MD, an associate professor of Psychiatry in Drexel’s College of Medicine.
SCREEN TIME RECOMMENDATIONS
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages screen time for babies under 18-24 months. The study emphasizes the importance of parent training and education to minimize screen time in toddlers. Despite evidence, many toddlers still spend significant time in front of screens, highlighting the need for increased awareness and intervention strategies.
While this study focused on TV or DVD watching, it raises questions about the broader impact of digital media exposure. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms linking early-life screen time to atypical sensory processing in toddlers.
DEVELOPMENT AT EARLIER STAGES
UNICEF says that For children to be successful, they need to learn how to concentrate and focus. That ability starts to develop during their earliest years when their brains are more sensitive to the environments around them.
For a brain to develop and grow, it needs essential stimuli from the outside world. More importantly, they need time to process those stimuli.
While reading storybooks out loud gives children time to process words, images and voices, the constant absorption of on-screen images and messages affects their attention span and focus.
