INDIANA — A new report from children’s clothing brand Posh Peanut highlights the growing challenge parents face in managing their kids’ screen time. The analysis, which looked at Google search interest across states, found that parents are increasingly seeking creative ways to balance screen use while supporting their children’s development.
The findings come as data shows kids aged eight and under now average 2 hours and 27 minutes of screen time daily, with 51% of them owning their own mobile device. Apps like Roblox, TikTok, and Snapchat are among the most popular, with kids spending significant time on each.
While screens can be a source of education and entertainment, they can also have an unseen impact on a child’s development. Here are four key areas where digital habits might be affecting your child:
When Screens Replace Conversation, Language Skills Can Stagnate
Before the age of three, children learn best from real-world interactions and conversations, rather than watching 2D videos. Every minute spent quietly on a device is a missed opportunity for the back-and-forth dialogue essential for building language and thinking skills.
The Fix: Set aside at least 15 minutes each day for screen-free conversation. When using devices together, engage your child by asking questions, labeling objects, and encouraging them to respond.
When Screens Soothe, Self-Control Can Suffer
Giving a child a device to calm them down during a tantrum might offer an immediate solution, but it can prevent them from learning how to self-soothe. This can lead to more intense or more prolonged meltdowns later on.
The Fix: Help your child name their feelings and practice deep breathing together. Create a “calm corner” with books or other calming items, such as toys. Introduce screens only after they’ve settled to help them learn to manage emotions independently.
Algorithms Are Shaping Young Minds
Apps and platforms use algorithms that learn from a child’s every tap and swipe, serving up more of the duplicate content. This carefully curated digital world can shape a child’s preferences, attention span, and even beliefs without parents realizing it.
The Fix: Use kid-specific profiles on apps and streaming services. Disable autoplay and ad tracking, and consider using offline apps to protect children from unhealthy content and hidden algorithms.
When Swipes Replace Squeezing, Fine Motor Skills Weaken
Swiping on a screen requires very little finger strength or control compared to activities like drawing, twisting, or cutting. The constant use of swiping can lead to weaker hand muscles, which in turn can affect a child’s ability to hold a pencil correctly, write neatly, and perform other crucial fine motor tasks.
The Fix: Incorporate daily “hand work” into your child’s routine. Activities such as playing with Play-Doh, lacing beads, or coloring with crayons can help develop the fine motor skills essential for early childhood development.
Fiona Sahakian, Founder & CEO of Posh Peanut, notes that while screens have a place in learning, nothing can replace hands-on activities. “Parents can support healthy growth by creating daily moments of real engagement, guiding children to manage emotions without devices, and embracing the many fun, screen-free activities that inspire creativity and deepen family connection,” she said.
