Key points:
- Researchers found screen time leads to changes in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, which is the base of executive functions.
- They also found some positive effects, although they were heavily outweighed by negative ones.
- The researchers advocate policymaker intervention and support, rather than the limitation of screen time.
Reviewing 23 years of neuroimaging research, scientists have found that time spent watching television or playing computer games has measurable and long-term effects on children’s brain function—both positive and negative.
The review examined 33 studies that used neuroimaging technology to measure the impact of digital technology on the brains of children under the age of 12—totaling more than 30,000 participants.
The new research, published in Early Education and Development, finds screen time leads to changes in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, which is the base of executive functions, such as working memory and the ability to plan or to respond flexibly to situations. The team also found impacts on the parietal lobe, which helps us to process touch, pressure, heat, cold, and pain; the temporal lobe, which is important for memory, hearing and language; and the occipital lobe, which helps interpret visual information.
The paper concludes that these early digital experiences are having a significant impact on the shape of children’s brains and their functioning. This was deemed as both potentially positive and negative, but mainly more negative.
For example, negative impacts were witnessed in some studies with how screen time influences the brain function required for attention, executive control abilities, inhibitory control, cognitive processes, and functional connectivity. Other studies suggested that higher screen time is associated with lower functional connectivity in brain areas related to language and cognitive control, potentially adversely affecting cognitive development.
Tablet device users were found to have worse brain function and problem-solving tasks. Video gaming and high internet users were found, in four studies, to produce negative changes in brain areas, impacting intelligence scores and brain volume.
There were six studies, however, demonstrating how these digital experiences can positively impact a child’s brain functionality. One found improved focusing and learning abilities in the frontal lobe of the brain. Meanwhile, another study suggested playing video games can increase cognitive demand, potentially enhancing children’s executive functions and cognitive skills.
Rather than advocating for limits on screentime, the study authors urge policymakers to help parents navigate the digital world by supporting evidence-based practice.