Just like a plant needs sunlight to grow, babies need hands-on interactions and real-life experiences to thrive and develop. According to a recent study, when one-year-olds spend more than four hours a day in front of screens, it can have a negative impact on their communication and problem-solving skills at ages 2 and 4. Imagine if you replace watering a plant with displaying pictures of water on a screen – the plant won’t get the nourishment it needs to flourish! Similarly, babies who spend excessive time with screens miss out on valuable opportunities for social interaction, language learning, and critical thinking.
Experts speculate that the lack of face-to-face interaction and limited exposure to real-world stimuli might hinder babies’ ability to recognize facial expressions, understand emotions, and build important social connections. It’s understandable that screens are attractive and convenient for both parents and little ones, but it’s important to strike a balance between technology use and hands-on play. Limiting screen time and encouraging activities like reading books together, playing games, or exploring nature can provide the sensory stimulation needed for healthy development.
