For many parents, managing children’s exposure to screens can feel like an impossible task. And keeping up with the latest research on the effect of screens on babies and young children can feel just as daunting.
Here’s what you should be concerned about and what you can do to find a healthy balance.
Kids and Screen Time: What We Know
Studies show that high screen exposure in children can contribute to:
- Attention difficulties
- Challenges with social interaction
- Shifts in how motivation is experienced
Over time, children with excessive screen use may struggle in social settings, show less engagement with caregivers, and have trouble regulating their behavior.
When it comes to how screens affect brain structure, the science is still evolving.
“There have been some studies looking at how different brain areas activate during screen time, with some showing abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex,” says Justin Rosati, MD, pediatric neurologist at UR Medicine. “But we don’t yet know whether that translates to
long-term developmental impact.”
One of the most ambitious efforts to understand how children’s brains develop is the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study—the largest long-term study of child health and brain development in the U.S. Tracking more than 11,000 children from ages 9–10 into early adulthood, the study aims to uncover how biology, environment, and experience interact over time.
The University of Rochester is one of 21 participating sites.
One emerging area of interest in the study is video game addiction.
“We’ve observed that adolescents who play excessive amounts of video games show reduced activity in the caudate nucleus—a region tied to reward processing,” says John Foxe, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and a principal investigator for the ABCD Study. “Their brains respond less to rewards, which may lead them to seek out more stimulation through gaming, sometimes to the point of addiction.”
Screen Time, Sleep Issues, and Neurological Impacts
Screens also can affect physical health—particularly sleep. Blue light emitted from screens affects both children and adults by suppressing melatonin—the hormone that helps regulate sleep—making it harder to fall and stay asleep.
“Sleep is absolutely critical for neurodevelopment,” says Dr. Foxe. “You need water, food, and sleep.”
Quality sleep is important for brain health, brain growth, formation of memories, brain recovery, and energy. Poor sleep in children is associated with worsened symptoms of ADHD, increased migraines, and even seizures in those with neurological conditions like epilepsy.
Good Screens versus Bad Screens: What’s the Difference?
Good screen time includes:
- Content with a story that requires attention, such as educational shows designed for young audiences.
- Shared screen time, meaning it is being watched with a family member or caregiver.
- Social video games that require positive interactions.
- Fast-paced content that constantly shifts visuals or storylines.
- Reward-heavy apps that offer frequent prizes or points.
- Games or platforms that push constant interaction to keep users engaged.
“This type of usage floods the brain with frequent dopamine releases—the chemical associated with pleasure and reward—leading to a ‘drug-like’ addictive cycle,” explains Dr. Rosati.
Tips for Creating a Balanced Screen Time Routine for Your Child
- Follow age-based guidelines: For children under 2, personal screens should only be used for video chatting with family or loved ones.
- Limit screen time after age 2: Focus on shared screen experiences and use personal screen time only for special occasions.
- Encourage co-viewing: Watch content together to promote interaction and discussion, rather than passive consumption.
- Set clear limits for older children: Establish consistent boundaries for daily screen time and create screen-free times.
- Unplug at night: Ensure handheld screens are put away at least one hour before bedtime.
And remember to be a good role model. “When parents limit their own screen use—especially around bedtime and mealtimes—children tend to follow their example and are less likely to develop screen-related problems,” shares Dr. Foxe.
Are Blue Light Glasses Worth It for Kids?
Blue light glasses are designed to filter or block high-energy visible (HEV) blue light that is emitted from digital screens. If your child experiences screen sensitivity, headaches, or migraines, blue light glasses may offer some relief.
While research is still ongoing, some children (and adults) report fewer symptoms such as eye strain and disrupted sleep after using blue light glasses—especially when screen use is high in the evening hours.
The ABCD Study at University of Rochester Medical Center
ABCD researchers study how a child’s biology and behavior change over time by using advanced technologies and brain imaging. By collecting detailed information about children’s environments, genetics, brain function, and life experiences, they aim to understand how these factors interact over time.
Learn more about the ABCD Study and our Cognitive Neurophysiology Research.
About the ABCD Study
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