Screens, Behavior & Development: What Every Parent Should Know
All parents as the questions:
“Could screen time be affecting my child’s mood or attention?”
“Why does my child melt down when I turn off the tablet?”
“Is all screen time bad?”
These are great—and important—questions. Screens are everywhere, and they’re not going away. But as an OT who works with children every day, I’ve seen how too much or unstructured screen time can impact development, sensory processing, and behavior.
Let’s talk about how screens can influence your child’s brain, body, and behavior, and how to use them mindfully to support healthy development.
Why Screen Time Matters (Especially in Early Childhood)
Young children’s brains are rapidly developing. They learn best through movement, play, and real-life interactions—not passive screen time.
While short bursts of educational or co-viewed content can have a place, excessive screen time has been linked to challenges in:
Attention and impulse control
Emotional regulation
Sleep patterns
Motor development
Language and social skills
These aren't just academic concerns—they affect how your child moves, connects, plays, and participates in everyday life.
The Screen Time–Behavior Connection
Many families notice increased meltdowns, irritability, or aggression after screen time. Here’s why:
1. Overstimulation
Fast-paced visuals, constant novelty, and bright colors activate the brain’s reward system. This can make it harder for kids to tolerate slower, real-life experiences—like sitting at dinner or transitioning to bed.
2. Dysregulated Sensory Systems
Screens provide intense visual and auditory input, but without the grounding effects of movement, touch, or deep pressure. This can lead to sensory dysregulation, leaving some kids hyped up and others zoned out.
3. Difficulty with Transitions
Stopping screen time is hard—especially if the brain is craving more dopamine. Without practice in real-world turn-taking or delayed gratification, transitions from screen to no-screen can feel sudden and overwhelming.
4. Sleep Disruption
Blue light from screens can delay melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall asleep. Poor sleep can then lead to mood swings, inattention, and sensory overload the next day.
When Screen Time Replaces Movement
As an OT, one of my biggest concerns is that screens often replace the kinds of activities that build a child’s sensory, motor, and emotional foundation—like:
Climbing, crawling, and active play
Hand use for drawing, building, and manipulating objects
Face-to-face communication and play
Imaginative problem-solving
These “off-screen” experiences are critical for:
Postural control and core strength
Fine motor development for handwriting and self-care
Visual-motor coordination
Executive functioning (planning, organizing, transitioning)
Social-emotional development
Children need real-world movement and interaction to develop the skills that screens can’t teach.
How Much Is Too Much?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time (except video chatting)
18–24 months: Only high-quality content, watched with an adult
2–5 years: Limit to 1 hour per day, with adult guidance
6+ years: Set consistent limits and ensure screen time doesn’t replace sleep, physical activity, or in-person interaction
That said—every family is different. What matters most is being intentional and balanced.
OT-Approved Tips for Healthier Screen Habits
If you’re seeing behavior changes related to screen use, here’s how you can help:
1. Create a Visual Schedule
Kids thrive on predictability. Show them when screen time will happen and when it ends using a visual timer or picture chart.
2. Make Transitions Easier
Give clear, consistent warnings:
“5 more minutes of tablet time, then we clean up for dinner.”
Offer a sensory activity after screens (e.g., swinging, jumping, playdough) to regulate their nervous system.
3. Co-View and Engage
Watch together and ask questions. This supports language development, comprehension, and bonding.
4. Balance with Movement
Every hour of screen time should be balanced with at least equal time in active, unstructured play. Think: obstacle courses, climbing, running, rough-and-tumble play.
5. Be a Model
Children learn from what they see. Show them what healthy tech use looks like—pausing to connect, putting the phone away during meals, and engaging in offline hobbies.
Final Thoughts from a Pediatric OT
Screens aren’t inherently “bad,” but how, when, and how often we use them matters—especially in the early years. As an OT, my goal isn’t to shame or scare—it’s to support you in making choices that align with your child’s development.