Toddler Brain Drain: The Truth About Screen Time
Story at-a-glance
- Recent studies show toddlers are spending 60 to 90 minutes daily on screens, primarily television, despite recommendations against screen time for children under 2 years old
- A 2025 Latin American study found that passive TV viewing negatively impacts language development in toddlers
- Early exposure to screens, particularly before age 2, consistently shows negative effects on both receptive and expressive language skills, with fast-paced content being especially harmful
- EMF exposure and blue light from screens disrupts cellular health and sleep cycles in toddlers, making it important to limit device exposure, especially before bedtime
- Parents can protect language development by creating screen-free zones, prioritizing outdoor activities, emphasizing real-world interactions and maintaining dedicated daily reading time with their toddlers
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