Screen Time Linked to Developmental Delays in Children Under 5
A new study is raising fresh concerns about the impact of screen time on early childhood development, this time focusing on children under the age of five. While much attention has already been given to the negative effects of excessive screen use, pediatric experts say we need to pay just as much attention to what children aren’t doing when screens take center stage.
“There’s no question we’re seeing the effects of screen time on our children,” said Dr. Joseph Aracri of Allegheny Health Network Pediatrics. “A lot of them have lost the ability to interact, to make eye contact, and to have conversations.”
According to Dr. Aracri, children in the five-and-under age group urgently need to engage in hands-on, real-world activities that promote cognitive and emotional growth.
Simple acts like running, jumping, picking up objects, smelling, tasting, and feeling them are crucial. “That’s where language development and reasoning skills begin,” he said. “It happens through physical exploration and interaction with caregivers.”
When children miss out on these early developmental experiences, the consequences can be long-lasting. Aracri noted that this is already becoming evident in older children and teenagers. “They can all be in the same room, but instead of talking, they’re just texting each other.”
If screens are used at all in this early stage, Aracri recommends interactive games that require thinking, movement, and problem-solving. He also urges parents to limit screen time and offer hands-on alternatives. “LEGOs, blocks—anything a child can pick up, turn around, and reason with—is usually better,” he said.
Even on rainy days, when it may feel easier to hand over a device, Aracri sees an opportunity for active learning. “Go outside. Jump in puddles. Get muddy. If it’s a warm rain, have fun with it,” he said. “Parents need to show their children it’s OK to get wet, it’s OK to get dirty.” Of course, safety still matters; lightning is the exception.
At its core, the study emphasizes the value of active play across all childhood stages. While screens can be a temporary tool for busy parents, Aracri encourages simple alternatives, like letting young children follow them around and pretend they’re helping with chores. These small moments of shared activity can foster critical developmental skills that screens simply can’t replace.
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