A comprehensive study monitoring 502 children from their earliest years into middle childhood revealed that increased screen exposure in infancy and around the age of six correlated with diminished academic outcomes at age nine and impaired working memory at age ten and a half. The researchers identified the most significant links during infancy, indicating this phase may be crucial for brain growth. These results support World Health Organization recommendations that advise against screen use prior to 18 to 24 months and suggest restricting daily screen time for young children. This research underscores the significance of both the timing and duration of screen interactions as the prevalence of digital media usage continues to escalate.
