Running Head: Research Paper 1
Research Paper 9
Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to explore whether increased amounts of screen time has a negative or positive affect on children under the age of 18. Screen time consists of exposure to cell phones, computer screens, or TV of any form. Through my own primary and secondary research, it was obvious that with more screen time comes less sleep, less exercise, but not always does it come with decreased cognitive development. In some cases, it is true that more screen time means there is a greater chance of a slower development. Yet, not always does this remain true. It was found that the type of screen time exposure determines whether or not it will impair the development. When being exposed to educational applications or videos on screen, it can increase the development. Whereas being exposed to a type of non-educational video game or TV shows can decrease or slow the development. The younger the child, the more at risk for a lack in development they remain with increased amounts of screen time. This is a topic that needs to be further researched as the mental, physical, and emotional development in children aged between 0-18 is an important and delicate process.
Keywords: screen time, impact, children
Introduction
In our present day and age, technology is becoming a huge part of our day-to-day lives. Technology isn’t just used by adults anymore, owning items like iPads or tablets has become an accustomed part of life for children under the age of eighteen. They are being used as a type of distraction device while out at restaurants with young children or when mom is trying to vacuum the house. If it’s not the tablets or smartphones that are distracting the children, then it’s the television (TV). When does screen time become too much, though? Screen time becomes too much screen time when it’s replacing the face-to-face time with mom or dad. When a child starts missing out on that bonding time with their parents, it can begin to impact their development. It also becomes too much after a certain amount of time depending on the age of the child. According to Domingues-Montanari (2017) it is suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that “children under 2 years of age should not spend any time using electronic media and children over 2 years of age should be restricted to less than 2 h per day” (p. 333). However, not every parent follows these guidelines. Many children are spending two hours at a time on their iPad or watching TV.
Although, screen time isn’t always negative when it comes to health. Since “reduced screen time doesn’t necessarily promote health” (Rosen et al., 2014, p. 365) and “co-viewing (TV) with an adult has been shown to increase the cognitive development benefits of suitable media content” (Domingues-Montanari, 2017, p. 335). When used the correct way, screen time can promote a positive effect on your child. If following the...
