March 14, 2025

Toddler Brain Drain: The Truth About Screen Time

13 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Recent studies show toddlers are spending 60 to 90 minutes daily on screens, primarily television, despite recommendations against screen time for children under 2 years old
A 2025 Latin American study found that passive TV viewing negatively impacts language development in toddlers
Early exposure to screens, particularly before age 2, consistently shows negative effects on both receptive and expressive language skills, with fast-paced content being especially harmful
EMF exposure and blue light from screens disrupts cellular health and sleep cycles in toddlers, making it important to limit device exposure, especially before bedtime
Parents can protect language development by creating screen-free zones, prioritizing outdoor activities, emphasizing real-world interactions and maintaining dedicated daily reading time with their toddlers

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14671,467 ratings

March 14, 2025

13 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Recent studies show toddlers are spending 60 to 90 minutes daily on screens, primarily television, despite recommendations against screen time for children under 2 years old
A 2025 Latin American study found that passive TV viewing negatively impacts language development in toddlers
Early exposure to screens, particularly before age 2, consistently shows negative effects on both receptive and expressive language skills, with fast-paced content being especially harmful
EMF exposure and blue light from screens disrupts cellular health and sleep cycles in toddlers, making it important to limit device exposure, especially before bedtime
Parents can protect language development by creating screen-free zones, prioritizing outdoor activities, emphasizing real-world interactions and maintaining dedicated daily reading time with their toddlers

...more