0
0
Recent research from Drexel University has raised concerns about the impact of television and video viewing on the sensory behaviors of babies and toddlers, suggesting that exposure to screens could contribute to atypical sensory responses in children.
The study found that greater exposure to TV viewing by the age of two was associated with a higher likelihood of developing atypical sensory processing behaviors by 33 months. These behaviors included characteristics like seeking intense stimulation, being disengaged or disinterested, and showing sensitivity or slowness in responding to stimuli.
Sensory processing skills, crucial for responding appropriately to various stimuli, encompass a child’s ability to process information received through sensory systems like sight, sound, touch, and taste.
Lead author Karen Heffler, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Drexel’s College of Medicine, emphasized the potential implications of this association for conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder, as atypical sensory processing is more prevalent in these populations. She suggested a possible link between early screen exposure and the hyperconnectivity of the sensory brain seen in autism spectrum disorders.
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, drew on data from 2011-2014, tracking television or DVD-watching habits of infants and toddlers at 12, 18, and 24 months. The findings revealed significant associations between screen time and sensory behaviors. Exposure to screens at 12 months correlated with a 105% increased likelihood of displaying high sensory behaviors compared to typical sensory behaviors by 33 months.
Moreover, at 18 months, each additional hour of daily screen time increased the odds of exhibiting high sensory behaviors linked to later sensation avoidance and low registration by 23%. Similarly, at 24 months, each additional hour of screen time raised the odds of high sensation-seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidance at 33 months by 20%.
The study highlights the growing concerns about developmental and behavioral issues associated with excessive screen time in toddlers. Heffler recommended reducing screen time for toddlers displaying such symptoms and incorporating sensory processing practices delivered by occupational therapists to address these concerns effectively.
These findings underscore the importance of mindful screen time practices in early childhood to safeguard against potential sensory processing issues, reinforcing the need for further exploration and informed guidelines regarding screen exposure in young children.
