06/08/2025
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.
