
11/08/2025
More and more children are not only having extreme eye problems because of gadget usage, but also developmental delays. Parents should explore the older ways and means of letting kids have a healthy and happier childhood, just like the kids born during 80s and 90s.
Research, including a JAMA Pediatrics study, shows that toddlers with higher screen time face developmental delays in communication, problem-solving, and social skills.
The study found that 1-year-olds with increased screen exposure were more likely to show delays in speech, fine motor skills, and social development by ages 2-4, with a dose-response link: more screen time correlates with greater delays.
Pediatric expert Dr. Cindy Gellner highlights that screens displace crucial interactive play, hands-on exploration, and live communication essential for early development.
Even educational shows like Sesame Street or Bluey can’t fully replicate these benefits, especially compared to often non-educational content.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises no screens before 18 months and a one-hour daily limit for ages 2-5.
Experts urge parents to prioritize active engagement—talking, reading, and playing—to nurture language, problem-solving, and motor skills during these critical years.