Cartoons are an important element of every child’s life. They are designed to provide a safe and educational environment for children. However, this does not appear to be the case any longer. According to experts, both screen timing and certain cartoon screenings are linked to brain damage and poor cognitive function.
A recent study published in the JAMA Network discovered that more screen usage in one-year-old children is connected with slower development in communication and problem-solving skills.
Children’s attention issues may be exacerbated by cartoons
The role of parents here becomes critical in identifying red signs. According to Dr. Sachi Pandya, Psychologist, and Art-Based Therapy Practitioner at NHSRCC Mumbai, Cartoons such as Peppa Pig utilize inappropriate language, which children can readily mimic, having a negative influence on their minds.
On the other side, the Coco Melon cartoon is overstimulating, which might cause young children to become easily dysregulated and, as a result, develop concentration problems over time. When it comes to children’s screen time content, parental oversight and regulation are critical.
The amount of screen time is important
Screen time is the amount of time a person spends looking at their phones, televisions, or other electronic devices. Screen usage for children aged 2 to 5 years old should be limited to one hour each day, according to World Health Organization guidelines. However, according to a meta-analysis, the majority of the population does not follow this recommendation.
Instead, screen time has increased in recent years as a result of the introduction of cell phones and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers attempted to establish a correlation between screen usage and infant development concerns in a cohort study. Among them were:
- Communication problems
- Socialization
- Daily living abilities
- Problem-solving abilities
- Personal and social abilities are harmed.
- Attention issues
- Behavioral problems
- Autism and other developmental disorders
Methods for Taking Care of Children
Dr. C S Prasanna is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Narayana Health City in Bangalore. Increased exposure to low-educational-value media content for children, particularly over the phone, jeopardizes their cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral development.
According to research, extended screen time at a young age might impair attention span, hamper social skill development, and disrupt healthy sleep habits.
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My recommendation to parents is to be cautious of the content and duration of screen time their children are exposed to. Encourage a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, reading, outdoor play, and social connections.
