04/08/2025
Toddlers who spend time on screens have delays in communication and problem-solving, studies show.
A growing body of research shows that increased screen time in toddlers is contributing to developmental delays, particularly in areas like speech, problem-solving, and social skills.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that 1-year-olds who spent more time in front of screens were more likely to exhibit delays in communication, fine motor abilities, and personal-social development by ages 2 to 4.
The findings show a dose-response relationship: the more screen exposure, the greater the likelihood and severity of delaysโunderscoring that even passive screen use in very young children can hinder critical developmental milestones.
Pediatric experts, including Dr. Cindy Gellner, stress that the issue isnโt just the screen time itself, but what it replacesโinteractive play, hands-on exploration, and live communication. While shows like Sesame Street and Bluey offer educational benefits, theyโre vastly different from the non-interactive, often non-educational content many toddlers consume. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time before 18 months and a limit of one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5. For parents, the focus should be on active engagementโtalking, reading, and playing with childrenโto foster language, problem-solving, and motor skills during these vital early years.
source
Takahashi I, Obara T, Ishikuro M, et al. Screen Time at Age 1 Year and Communication and Problem-Solving Developmental Delay at 2 and 4 Years. JAMA Pediatr. 2023;177(10):1039โ1046.
