Impact of early childhood screen exposure

In today’s digital age, screens have become an inseparable part of everyday life.

- Naveen Journalism Student Khanna

From smartphones and tablets to televisions and laptops, children are growing up surrounded by digital devices. While technology offers educational and entertainment benefits, early childhood screen exposure has become a subject of growing concern among parents, educators, and health professionals. Understanding how screen time affects a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development is essential for guiding healthy habits during the most formative years of life.

Early childhood—typically defined as the period from birth to six years—is a crucial stage of brain development. During this time, children learn through sensory experiences, human interaction, and exploration of their environment. When screens begin to replace these natural learning processes, developmental imbalances can occur. One of the most commonly observed effects of excessive screen exposure is delayed language development. Young children need real-life conversations, facial expressions, and interpersonal communication to develop speech and vocabulary. When screen content consumes a large portion of their day, the opportunities for meaningful dialogue reduce significantly. Although some educational programs can support learning, they cannot replace the richness of human interaction.