Effets of Screen Viewing Time on Children’s Early Development

Abstract

In the context of the widespread popularity of smart devices, children around the world are generally exposed to screens for too long, and the age of exposure to electronic screens is also getting younger. Research across countries has shown that excessive screen time negatively affects children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development, particularly affecting language development and attention in early childhood. Urban children in China spend significantly more time watching screens than rural children, and while urbanisation has contributed to the widespread use of smart devices, screen use and the probability of e-screen addiction among rural children are also gradually increasing. Prolonged screen exposure in children can lead to problems such as deterioration of social skills, reduced opportunities for sports, obesity and sleep disorders. Therefore, intervention strategies include adopting restrictive versus instructive regulation, setting daily screen time limits, and promoting parent-child interaction through shared viewing. At the same time, encouraging outdoor activities, reading and hands-on practice are encouraged to cultivate children's comprehensive development and reduce dependence on screens.