Topic > The impact of screen time on neurodevelopment in children

IndexIntroductionPrint media vs. on-screen mediaThe impact of screen time on brain activity in childrenSchool performanceConclusionAnnotated bibliographyIntroductionElectronics are becoming ubiquitous nowadays, so it is important to recognize the effects that prolonged screen time has on new generations. Screen time includes the amount of time spent on an electronic device, such as a computer, game console or mobile phone, but with children having access to such devices, their neurological development comes into question. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore and clarify such neurological problems. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Print Media vs. Screen Media To understand the effects that electronics have on children's neurological development, it is essential to recognize how print media also affects children. Horowitz-Kraus and Hutton (2018) conducted a study comparing children's brain connectivity during hours spent reading books to hours spent on screens. The study established that there is a positive correlation between reading and brain function in the area of ​​visual word form and cognitive control regions. On the other hand, when analyzing the results between brain connectivity and screen time, a negative correlation was identified between screen-based media and word form visual area, cognitive control regions, and brain regions. linguistics. Furthermore, Horrowitz-Kraus and Hutton conclude that reading is essential for healthy brain development, where screen time is negatively correlated with brain function. Similarly, Volk, Cotic, Zajc, and Starcic (2017) performed a study that compared the outcome of learning mathematics through a traditional paper-based medium with a tablet-based medium. The experimental group, or students who used tablet-based support, performed better than the control group, those who used traditional paper-based support, in all three tasks they had to complete in the post-participation test . Although there was no significant difference in the results of the first level, which tested students on basic knowledge, a significant difference was found in the results of the second and third levels (Volk et al., 2017). Therefore, tablet-based learning was most useful for students when they completed the second and third taxonomic levels in the post-participation test, or the procedural knowledge and problem-solving portions of the test, respectively (Volk et al. , 2017). Horowitz-Kraus and Hutton's study demonstrates that screen time is negatively correlated with brain connectivity, however Volk et al. (2017) and their study suggests that children learn materials more easily with an electronic device. Since Horowitz-Kraus and Hutton did not “break down screen time into specific components, such as watching television or playing video games, the inconsistency found when comparing the findings of both studies is likely due to this inability to create categories of screen time.” screen. Screen Time and Brain Activity in Children One brain function that is significantly affected by electronics is the development of motor skills. Cadoret, Bigras, Lemay, Lehrer and Lemire(2018) correctly hypothesized that there is a negative correlation between screen time and children's motor scores. Their study shows that as children's screen time increases, their motor scores decrease. Another hypothesis that turned out to be correct was that children with more screen time at age four tend to increase their screen time as they get older. This increase in screen time would negatively affect children's motor skill development, which is significant for future learning. Horowitz-Kraus and Hutton's study on brain connectivity also demonstrates a negative effect of screen time on children. Study results show that screen time is negatively correlated with brain connectivity from the visual word form area to other brain regions, such as language and cognitive control regions (Horowitz-Kraus & Hutton, 2018) . On the other hand, the connectivity of these brain regions is strengthened by reading, which would also strengthen their cognitive development. Cadoret et al. (2018) and Horrowitz-Kraus and Hutton (2018) highlight the negative impact that electronic devices have on children's cognitive functions, such as motor skills and brain connectivity, which would be essential for their neurological development. Academic performancePoulain, Peschel, Vogel, Jurkutat, and Kiess (2018) analyzed the effect of screen time on academic performance. Their study demonstrates a negative correlation between screen time and school grades in the main subjects analyzed, mathematics and German. Researchers have proposed several possible explanations for the negative correlation, such as that screen time leads to “attention deficits or negative attitudes toward school which, in turn, lead to lower academic achievement” (Poulain et al ., 2018). This explanation can be supported by Lissak's case study, which involved Mark, a nine-year-old boy diagnosed with ADHD. Through this eleven-week case study that significantly reduced Mark's screen time, it was determined that Mark was no longer diagnosed with ADHD and was preparing for school exams and homework without the help of his his parents. A reduction in screen time led him to eliminate his previously aggressive behavior and focus more on school. This was achieved by focusing on reducing Mark's time playing violent video games. Since the study by Poulain, Peschel, Vogel, Jurkutat, and Kiess “did not evaluate the purpose of the respective computer and/or Internet use” (Poulain et al., 2018), it is difficult to link screen time and Electronic learning as a cause of poor academic performance for assessed students. More research needs to be conducted to determine whether screen time, in general, negatively impacts children's academic performance and brain function, or whether it is primarily "hectic/violent time spent playing video games" (Lissak, 2018) to be the main cause of poor academic performance due to time spent in front of the screen. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion Research suggests that screen time has negative effects on children's brain development, but it is difficult.2017.06.004