by New research conducted by Drexel’s College of Medicine suggests that babies and toddlers exposed to television or video viewing may experience atypical sensory behaviors. These behaviors include disengagement and disinterest in activities, seeking intense stimulation, and being overwhelmed by sensory input such as loud sounds or bright lights. The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, found that children who had greater exposure to TV by the age of two were more likely to display atypical sensory processing behaviors by the age of 33 months.
Sensory processing skills are crucial for the body’s ability to respond efficiently to different stimuli received through the senses. The researchers analyzed data from the National Children’s Study, which included information on television and DVD viewing habits of 1,471 children between 2011 and 2014. Sensory processing outcomes were assessed using the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile, a questionnaire completed by parents or caregivers.
The results showed that children who had higher levels of screen exposure at a young age were more likely to exhibit atypical sensory processing behaviors, such as sensation seeking, sensation avoiding, and low registration. Sensation seeking involves excessively touching or smelling objects, while sensation avoiding refers to actively trying to control the environment to avoid unpleasant sensations. Low registration is characterized by being less sensitive or slower to respond to stimuli.
Moreover, the study adds to the growing body of evidence linking screen time in infants and toddlers to various health and developmental issues, including language delay, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral problems, sleep difficulties, attention deficits, and delayed problem-solving skills. Atypical sensory processing is particularly prevalent in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism, suggesting a potential link between early-life screen time and the development of these conditions.
The lead author of the study, Karen Heffler, MD, emphasized the importance of reducing screen time and implementing sensory processing practices delivered by occupational therapists for toddlers exhibiting atypical sensory processing behaviors. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently discourages screen time for babies under 18-24 months and recommends time limitations on digital media use for children aged 2 to 5 years.
Despite these recommendations, many toddlers still spend a significant amount of time in front of screens. According to a 2014 study published in JAMA Pediatrics, children aged 2 and under in the United States averaged three hours and three minutes of screen time per day, up from one hour and 19 minutes per day in 1997. Factors such as parental exhaustion and lack of affordable alternatives contribute to increased screen time among young children.
It is worth noting that the study focused specifically on television and DVD watching and did not examine the effects of media viewed on smartphones or tablets. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the association between early-life screen time and atypical sensory processing. The findings highlight the importance of promoting healthy screen habits and providing alternative forms of stimulation for young children to support their sensory development.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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