Culture Post: Children’s Brains Shaped by Their Screen Time — That’s Both Good and Bad

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by StudyFinds.

Screen time has a long-lasting impact on the structure and functionality of young people’s brains, a new study suggests. Scientists report that activities such as watching television, playing video games, or using a tablet can have both beneficial and detrimental consequences.

According to a comprehensive review spanning 23 years and 33 neuroimaging studies, screen time causes alterations in the pre-frontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for functions such as working memory and adaptive response in various situations.

The research highlights that children under 12 who use tablet devices tend to exhibit poorer brain function and diminished problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, video gaming and heavy internet use displayed a link to adverse changes in brain regions affecting intelligence quotients and brain volume in four separate studies.

However, the study also suggests that playing video games might increase cognitive demands, thereby possibly enhancing children’s executive functions and cognitive abilities.

“It should be recognized by both educators and caregivers that children’s cognitive development may be influenced by their digital experiences,” states Hui Li, Chair Professor at The Education University of Hong Kong, in a media release. “Limiting their screen time is an effective but confronting way, and more innovative, friendly, and practical strategies could be developed and implemented.”

The study was published in the Early Education and Development Journal.

Source: MedicalXpress
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-11-heart-health-cognitive-kids.html

 

Find more culture news on HomeWord’s Culture Blog, named in 2023 for the eighth consecutive year as one of the top 50 culture blogs on the planet!

Help us reach the next generation of families

Donate
Back to Top

[reposted by] Jim Liebelt

Jim is Senior Writer, Editor and Researcher for HomeWord. Jim has 40 years of experience as a youth and family ministry specialist, having served over the years as a pastor, author, consultant, mentor, trainer, college instructor, and speaker. Jim’s HomeWord culture blog also appears on Crosswalk.com and Religiontoday.com. Jim and his wife Jenny live in Quincy, MA.

  • About HomeWord

    HomeWord helps families succeed by creating Biblical resources that build strong marriages, confident parents, empowered kids and healthy leaders. Founded by Jim Burns, HomeWord seeks to advance the work of God in the world by educating, equipping, and encouraging parents and churches. Learn More »

  • Support Our Mission

    HomeWord is non-profit, donor supported ministry. If you would like to partner with HomeWord in our effort to help more parents and families you can make a donation. Your investment will allow us to expand this ministry by offering more resources to families and churches in need.

  • Contact Information

    • HomeWord
      PO Box 1600
      San Juan Capistrano, CA
      92693

    • Send us an email

    • 800-397-9725
      (M-F: 8:30am-5pm PST)

Close