Active children with limited use of screens perform better in tasks that involve memory and attention

Young children who spend a maximum of one hour a day in front of screens and are physically active perform better in functions such as memory, attention and emotion control, shows an article published in “The Journal of Pediatrics”, which followed 356 boys and girls 2 years old.

Previous studies have already pointed out the negative impact of excessive use of electronics and lack of physical and outdoor activities for this age group. The new research assessed the influence of these factors on early childhood development and how they affect the youngest in relation to skills such as remembering, planning, paying attention, regulating thoughts and behavior – the so-called executive functions.

Up to the age of 5, the brain develops rapidly, with great proliferation of neurons and connections between them, forming the basis for brain functioning throughout life. After this age, the speed with which connections are made drops.

“A child who does not develop communication skills, social interaction and executive functions well during childhood will certainly have impairments in their functioning in the later stages of life”, explains pediatrician Mariana Granato, from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and member of the Department of Pediatrics. of Development of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics.

damage to screens

Even if it is difficult to eradicate electronic devices from routine, their use should be minimized. Babies under the age of two should not have access to them. Between two and five years old, maximum screen time should be one hour a day, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This is because video games, for example, stimulate quick reward aspects by activating brain centers related to impulsivity and the difficulty of inhibitory control.

“They can be a source of frustration and irritability, in addition to making children more agitated”, says the pediatrician. On the other hand, cartoons, even those with content considered “educational”, are not very useful for developing cognitive and language skills.

“Studies show that the same content transmitted through a screen has a worse effect in terms of learning than if it is transmitted in person”, explains Granato.

The more “addicted” the child, the greater the long-term damage. This increases the chance of attention and hyperactivity problems, obesity, sleep, poor school performance and difficulty with social interaction.

The good news is that it is never too late to change habits: “in addition to physical activities that favor motor aspects, social interaction and improve well-being, this stimulus can be done through activities and games that stimulate attention and concentration, such as board games, puzzles and memory games”, advises the pediatrician. “Relaxation and meditation activities for children are also quite interesting.”