Unconvinced watching some extra Bluey was having the devastating effect on children’s health some claimed, one researcher set out to prove screen time wasn’t all bad.
Newcastle University lecturer Emma Axelsson, right, said she became interested in the topic after reading sweeping statements about the detrimental impact of screen time on kids.
But Dr Axelsson’s research seems to have proved her scepticism wrong.
The school of psychology lecturer and her team delved into the connection between screen time and one of the biggest factors it can affect — sleep.
The research, published in the journal Acta Psychologica, involved the help of nearly 100 families who answered standardised questions about their children’s screen habits, sleep patterns and ability to concentrate.
It found greater screen time predicted shorter sleep, regardless of the time of day of exposure.
It was also associated with poorer sleep quality, communication and problem-solving.
“Despite the fact I wanted to show that screen time isn’t all bad, this data said it tended to look that way,” Dr Axelsson said. “Sleep affects cognitive and language development, and if screen time is affecting (those factors), is it screen time or sleep that is causing the issues?”
She hoped to uncover links between what were considered bad TV habits for children aged three to five — such as watching more than the recommended Australian guideline of a maximum of one hour or engaging with a screen at bedtime — and poor sleep habits.
But once again, the research didn’t line up with her estimation.
Unless a child of preschool age was watching a screen for a great deal more than the recommended one hour — say about three or four hours — it didn’t affect the quality of their sleep.
Nor did it matter a great deal if the screen was on earlier in the day or just before bed.
The research broadly tallies with previous studies, which have found increased screen time is linked to shorter sleep and more waking up at night in infants and toddlers.
Dr Axelsson had intended to conduct the research face-to-face with her study subjects, but the COVID-19 pandemic scuppered her plans while also, ironically, leading to more screen time for many children spending long periods at home.
As part of her next stage of research, she is looking for more parents to participate in interviews face-to-face.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Entertainment News Click Here
