Screens and Early Childhood Development

Childhood is built without screens, not in front of them.

We live in an era where it is common to hear that many were raised in front of screens without consequences in adulthood, comparing the screens of the past with those of today. However, current technologies have evolved significantly. Modern screens not only entertain; they are designed to capture and hold attention constantly. This shift has had significant implications for child development, surpassing what previous generations could experience, and its impact on children is not insignificant.

Why We Need to Talk About Screens in Childhood

As we mentioned in our 2022 blog, What to do if my child is addicted to the screen?, the design and content of current screens have a direct effect on the developing brain and, thus, on a child's development. It is essential that, as a community, we reflect on this issue and make conscious decisions for the benefit of future generations.

What makes screens so irresistible?

In situations of tiredness or frustration, it is common to use screens as a quick resource to calm children. The alarming thing is that this temporary solution can turn into a habit that children begin to demand, often with tantrums.

This doesn't happen because screens are just "entertaining," but because they are designed to be extremely addictive. Intense colors, appealing sounds, and instant gratifications stimulate the brain, activating reward systems like those of other addictions. For a developing brain, these experiences are hard to resist, creating patterns of dependence from childhood.

The normalization of screen use in childhood

Today, the market offers devices specifically designed to capture children's attention: tablets shaped like toys, more vehicles with built-in screens, and a wide variety of apps that promise "educational stimulation." While they may seem harmless or even useful, these products facilitate unnecessary early exposure that can affect the development of essential skills. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) points out that this exposure is not neutral, as it can displace essential activities such as free play and human interactions that foster cognitive and socio-emotional development.

The invisible cost of screens:

1. Interruption of natural development:

The early years of life are crucial for developing neural connections through multisensory experiences and human bonds. Screens not only displace these opportunities, but they can also affect language, sleep, creativity, attention, and emotional regulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that excessive screen time may be linked to sleep disorders and deficits in language and social skills.

2. Formation of harmful habits:

By using screens to calm or entertain, children end up relying on them to manage emotions like boredom or frustration, limiting their ability to develop self-regulation. According to the AEP, this pattern can persist, affecting emotional development and the ability of children to face challenges without relying on external stimuli.

3. An environment created for dependency:

The availability of devices aimed at young children reinforces the idea that their use is normal and even necessary, when evidence shows that early childhood should be a period without screens. Both the AAP and the AEP agree that early exposure to screens is unnecessary and can have long-term negative consequences.

A call for collective awareness — Screens during early childhood development

It is not about demonizing technology but understanding its role in child development. Early childhood is a stage where every experience helps establish the foundations of personality, cognitive skills, and the relationship with the environment. Allowing screens to occupy a central place during this stage is not a decision without consequences.

As a society, we must question the normalization of these practices and choose alternatives that prioritize the well-being of children. Instead of screens, let’s foster spaces where they can explore, create, and engage face-to-face with those around them. Awareness is the first step toward change.

Curious about how ABCnMe encourages a screen-free environment in early childhood? Schedule a visit and explore our educational approach!