Screen time linked with developmental delays, study finds::Screen time at age 1 is linked with higher risks of developmental delays in toddlerhood, a new study has found.
There are other factors they have observed as well. Let me quote the article.
There are other factors that can affect a child’s development, such as genetics, adverse experiences such as neglect or abuse, and socioeconomic factors, Nagata said.
In the latest research, mothers of children with high levels of screen time were more likely to be younger, have never given birth before, have a lower household income, have a lower education level and have postpartum depression.
But bad screens are a much sexier cause.
Regarding your last sentence: Are you suggesting insincere motives behind this study?
There is an argument to be made about how studies like this underpin technology averse boomers trying to vilify modern social life. OTOH, studies like this, correctly implemented, are utterly important. It wouldn’t be the first time science has proven something very popular (e.g. smoking) is actually also very harmful.
That sentence directed towards the article and it choosing to focus on one part of the study. Sure I have not read the study so the link between “struggling” parents and development can be much weaker than screen time and development. It can be that the article presents the study without favoring any results. Or it could be highlighting those results that drives more clicks. I feel the second option is the more likely one.
Which are you more likely to digest and relate to as a bad parent: “giving your kids devices to shut them up is bad”, or “screentime is bad”?
Most parents refuse to acknowledge that they do not know what is best for their child. “Screentime is bad” doesn’t come with the caveat of “pay more attention to your child”.
