Time spent on a smartphone, playing video games or watching TV has a significant long-term impact on a child’s brain function, a study revealed on Friday.
Researchers analysed data from 33 global studies which used neuroimaging technology to measure the impact of digital technology on the brains of children aged 12 and under.
They found that screen time led to changes in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for memory and the ability to plan or respond flexibly to situations.
It also impacted the parietal lobe, which helps humans process touch, pressure, heat, cold and pain. The temporal lobe, which is important for memory and language, was also affected.
The results suggest that excessive screen time could have a potentially negative effect on a child’s cognitive development.
In 2019, the World Health Organisation recommended that children aged two to five should have no more than one hour a day of sedentary screen time. However, the recommendation was disputed by the UK’s chief medical officers who claimed there is not enough evidence to produce guidelines on screen time for children.
The study, carried out by scientists at the Education University of Hong Kong, reviewed evidence from studies on children’s digital use and brain development published between January 2000 and April 2023.
Screen-based media – such as using a smartphone - were the most commonly used by the participants, followed by video games.
Researchers concluded that early digital experiences had a “significant impact on the shape of children’s brains and their functioning”, which was deemed to be mostly negative.
Lead author, Dr Dandan Wu of the Education University of Hong Kong, said: "This investigation contains significant implications for practical improvement and policymaking. Foremost, it should be recognised by both educators and caregivers that children’s cognitive development may be influenced by their digital experiences. As such, they should supply suitable guidance, involvement, and backing for children’s digital use.
“It is imperative for policymakers to develop and execute policies grounded in empirical evidence to safeguard and enhance brain development in children as they navigate the digital era.
“This could involve offering resources and incentives for the creation and examination of digital interventions aimed at bolstering brain growth in children.”
Researchers said that further studies would be needed to investigate how screen time impacts brain structure and function.
Health experts have expressed concern over a significant rise in screen time among young children during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a study published in 2021, scientists at Anglia Ruskin found that screen time had increased the most among primary schoolchildren, by an extra hour and 20 minutes a day on average.
This was associated with poorer diets, poor eye health, deteriorating mental health including anxiety, and behavioural issues.
A survey conducted by the BBC, published last July, found that 79 per cent of parents feel that children have used screens more since the Covid-19 pandemic.
