What Screens Are Doing to Young Minds
prachi priya
Jun 24, 2025
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In today's tech-driven world, it's become quite common to see little ones like toddlers happily swiping through YouTube or watching cartoons on a phone while being fed. It may seem harmless and sometimes helpful, but it's important to be aware that excessive smartphone exposure in babies and young children is more than just a modern parenting hack. It's something that could have a big impact on how they grow and develop, and even on their overall health.
Studies have shown that children under the age of 2 should have little to no screen time, yet smartphones are often used as a go-to source of comfort. And the result? Their brains are still in the early stages of development, and they're being exposed to a lot of stimulation at once. It's a lot for them to take in. It's important to be aware that this can lead to some challenges, like delayed speech, poor focus, and reduced social interaction. They might also show early signs of addiction, which can affect their behavior. You might notice them being a bit more cranky without a screen, having a hard time soothing themselves, or depending on instant reward.
We all know that too much screen time can cause eye strain, sleep disturbances, and poor posture. The blue light from screens can also mess with our melatonin, which is really important for kids' growth and development.
It's totally normal for kids to feel less engaged with the real world. They might have a bit of a hard time focusing, coming up with new ideas, and figuring things out on their own. It's like their play goes from being all about them to being more about what others are doing. It also means less face-to-face time with parents, which is something screens can never replace.
But it's not about total restriction. It's all about being mindful when you use it. Here's what the experts suggest:
We understand that all little ones need their special time with their parents, so we kindly ask that you keep your screen time to a minimum for babies under 18 months.
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No screen time for babies under 18 months
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Co-viewing with kids when screen time is allowed
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Replacing digital play with tactile activities like blocks, drawing, or pretend play
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Limiting screen time to 1 hour/day for kids aged 2–5 years
Smartphones aren't all bad. They're just tools, and like any tool, they need to be used with care, especially around young, developing minds. You know, real growth still happens off-screen. It happens in messy drawings, outdoor games, bedtime stories, and eye contact.
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- Team social mela
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