How Do Smart Devices Affect Children’s Senses?

1st January 2025

2 minutes read

How Do Smart Devices Affect Children’s Senses?

As technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives, avoiding the use of smart devices, especially among young children, is becoming increasingly challenging.

But what happens when young children are exposed to prolonged screen time? Does it impact their mental and sensory development?

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals a link between screen exposure and abnormal sensory processing in young children.

The study, which involved around 1,500 families, found that children who spent extended time on screens experienced abnormal sensory processing, whether in hearing, sight, or touch.
Researchers Dr. Karen Heffler and David Bennett noted that this type of sensory processing could affect children’s ability to interact with their surroundings.

Moreover, children who have trouble trying new foods or feel discomfort with certain textures may be experiencing these sensory patterns.

Sensory processing is a vital part of children’s cognitive development and requires physical and face-to-face interaction. As Dr. Liz Plaiszczyk, a pediatrician at Children’s Minnesota, points out:

“80% of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of three. These years are therefore critically important.”

While the study does not establish a direct causal relationship between screen time and abnormal sensory processing, it highlights that children with sensory challenges are more likely to spend extended time on screens, reinforcing this behavior.

The study emphasizes the importance of engaging children in interactive activities that support mental development instead of relying heavily on screens.

To protect their children, experts advise parents to reduce screen time, especially for young children, while highlighting the importance of social interaction and physical activities.

Shannon Bennett, a specialist at the Youth Mental Health Center in New York, also stresses the need to balance screen time with other activities that promote growth and social interaction.