In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere, be it, TVs, tablets, smartphones, laptops, and even smart toys.
While technology has made learning and entertainment more accessible, it has also raised an important concern for parents and teachers: how screen time impacts the brain development of young children. This is especially crucial for the kids pre-primary schools as their brains are still in the most rapid stage of growth and learning.
The first five years of a child’s life are like laying the foundation for a strong building. Their brains are forming new connections at lightning speed. During this time, children need activities like playing, drawing, reading, and exploring the world around them. These hands-on experiences help them develop language, memory, attention, and social skills.
Too much screen time, however, replaces these rich experiences with passive consumption of information. Instead of actively learning, children become receivers of ready-made images and sounds. Over time, this can slow down the development of essential skills.
Have you noticed how children glued to cartoons or mobile games often struggle to pay attention during class or at home? That’s because screens provide quick shifts in colour, sound, and action, which overstimulate the brain. The result is that children may find real-world tasks like listening to a teacher, doing puzzles, or even having a conversation less engaging.
In pre-primary schools and elsewhere, teachers often notice shorter attention spans in kids who have higher screen exposure. Helping children learn to focus on slower, real-life activities becomes an uphill task.
Quality sleep is just as important for the brain as learning. It’s during sleep that the brain processes information, strengthens memory, and builds new connections. Unfortunately, screens, especially when used before bedtime, interfere with this process. The blue light from screens reduces melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall asleep.
When sleep is disturbed, children may become irritable, less alert in class, and even struggle with learning new concepts. Over time, this can affect not just brain development but overall emotional well-being.
Another key aspect of early childhood is learning how to communicate and interact with others. Too much screen time reduces opportunities for face-to-face conversations and playtime with peers. Children who spend excessive time on screens may struggle with empathy, teamwork, or even understanding body language.
In contrast, activities like role-playing games, storytelling, and art encourage children to connect, share, and build social skills, things a screen can never truly replicate.
It’s important to understand that not all screen time is harmful. Educational apps, interactive learning videos, and supervised digital games can support learning when used in moderation. The key is balance and guidance.