“iPad kids” are less inclined to interact with their parents and show delays in problem-solving: Study

In today's digital age, screen time is an integral part of life for people of all ages. However, recent preliminary research published in JAMA Network Open raises concerns about the impact of touch-screen tablet games on toddlers, suggesting that frequent use may inhibit crucial interactions with their parents!

The study highlights that early screen time is associated with delays in communication and problem-solving skills among toddlers. This aligns with a growing concern among parents regarding children's health, with screen time topping recent polls as a significant issue.
Dimitri A. Christakis, MD, MPH, director of the Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development at Seattle Children's Research Institute, emphasised the importance of understanding digital addiction's roots. “Compulsive use of screens appears to start in toddlerhood,” Christakis stated, highlighting a gap in current research focused on such young children.

The researchers recruited 63 neurotypical toddlers aged 18 to 32 months to observe how they interacted with various stimuli and responded to attention bids from adults. The study involved providing toddlers with a farm toy, a tablet showing a child playing with the farm toy, a tablet with a farm-themed puzzle, a tablet with a farm-themed game, and a tablet with their favourite app. After one minute of exposure to each item, researchers and caregivers alternated attempts to capture the toddlers' attention. At the end, the researcher asked for the toy or tablet back.

Evils of high screen time in children

The findings revealed that toddlers were less responsive to prompts while playing the farm-themed game, which involved activities like shearing sheep. This effect was more pronounced as the children aged, and it was particularly significant among male toddlers, who took longer than female toddlers to acknowledge requests for behaviour changes. Additionally, toddlers with higher media usage at home were more likely to ignore prompts during the study.

The study offers insights into the underlying mechanisms of delayed language development linked to early screen use. Christakis explained, “early screen use deprives toddlers of opportunities to reciprocally engage with caregivers, which is a critical way children learn language and social skills.” The lack of joint attention during play with traditional toys, which is associated with better language skills, underscores the importance of human back-and-forth interaction for cognitive and social development.
While the study is preliminary, it sheds light on the need for further research to identify high-risk children and develop interventions promoting healthy screen use in early childhood. Christakis advocates for more comprehensive studies to understand better and mitigate the impact of screen time on young children's development.

In conclusion, while touch-screen tablet games offer convenience and entertainment, their use should be balanced with traditional play and parent-child interactions to support healthy development in toddlers. As research continues to evolve, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to stay informed and mindful of the potential long-term effects of early screen exposure.