In the wake of the accelerating digital revolution sweeping the world, smart devices have become an inseparable part of daily life. Today’s children are born into a digital environment, learning how to use tablets and smartphones before they learn to speak or even walk. Screens have, in many cases, become a substitute for human interaction, with many parents proudly showing off their children’s ability to navigate apps.
On the other hand, experts and specialists concerned with child health are increasingly warning about the dangers of excessive screen use and its harmful effects on children's cognitive development, as well as their psychological and behavioral health. So, are we truly facing a generation at risk due to screens? Are smart devices destroying our children's minds?
Dr. Sayed El-Bahiry, a software professor at a computer science institute, discusses the dimensions of this issue with readers of Nadormagazine , presenting statistics, studies, and possible solutions.
A Baby in Front of a Screen?
It seems smart devices are no longer limited to adults. Studies show that the percentage of children using electronic devices before the age of three has increased by more than 80% in many countries.
In some households, due to busy parents, children are left in front of YouTube for hours without monitoring the content—as a way to keep them calm or occupied. Strangely, some parents believe this is a form of technological advancement or early learning. But in reality, exposing children to screens before age five has negative effects on their cognitive and emotional development.
The Child’s Brain Under the Influence of the Screen
From a scientific perspective, a child’s brain in the early years is undergoing rapid development. The more real-life interactions—talking, touching, playing, hugging—the stronger and more stable the neural connections that form. But when human interaction is replaced by screen time, the brain is deprived of these essential experiences.
A study by the University of Calgary in Canada found that children who spent more than an hour a day in front of screens at the age of two experienced a 49% delay in speech and communication skills. A British study revealed that excessive screen use is linked to reduced concentration, and increased rates of anxiety and depression during adolescence.
Digital Addiction
"Screen addiction" is now considered one of the most serious problems threatening children and teenagers today. With their bright colors, fast movements, instant rewards, and wide variety of content, screens are designed to be attention-grabbing.
This stimulating presentation style leads to the release of large amounts of the “happiness hormone” (dopamine), causing children and teens to become addicted to their devices and less able to enjoy other activities.
This type of addiction is not much different from other harmful addictions—it affects the brain’s reward centers. Some scientists even describe video games and video apps as a kind of cleverly marketed digital drug.
Psychological and Behavioral Effects of Excessive Screen Time
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Aggression and Mood Swings: Violent games and loud videos increase a child's stress levels, making them easily irritable.
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Isolation and Withdrawal: Children lose social interaction skills, and teens may struggle to form real-life relationships, leading to loneliness.
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Reduced Focus and Attention: Constant exposure to rapidly changing content lowers the ability to concentrate on academic or everyday tasks.
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Sleep Disruption: Blue light from screens hinders melatonin production (the sleep hormone), leading to sleep disorders that impact both mental and physical development.
Guiding Children Toward Skill-Building Activities
Family Responsibility
In many cases, parents rely on smart devices as a quick fix—whether it's for a hyperactive child, a moody teenager, or a household full of chores. But this quick fix often turns into a lifestyle.
Some mothers even use smartphones to soothe a crying baby or as a reward for good behavior—associating the device with comfort and approval in the child’s mind.
The problem doesn't end with the child. Teens and even parents often fall into the same trap, becoming glued to their own screens. This widens emotional gaps and weakens family bonds, leading to what experts call "family alienation."
Digital Learning: Benefits vs. Harms
After the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning became an unavoidable reality. While it helped keep education going, it also increased children's screen dependence, especially as they explored more online content, making it harder to distinguish between helpful and harmful use.
Multiple studies confirm that digital learning cannot replace real-world interaction during childhood. Screen-based education should be limited and supervised by adults.
So, What Are the Solutions?
Simply warning children is not enough. Here are some key recommendations from health and education experts:
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No Screens Before Age 2: Avoid all digital devices in this stage. Focus instead on interactive play, talking, and picture books.
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Only One Hour a Day (Ages 2–5): Screen time should be shared with a parent, ensuring engagement and conversation.
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Establish Firm Rules: No devices at the dinner table or at least two hours before bedtime.
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Offer Attractive Real-World Alternatives: Drawing, sand play, storytelling, physical games, and fun family activities.
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Be a Role Model at Home: Children imitate what they see. If parents are always on their phones, children will follow.
A Final Note for Mothers:
If this trend continues, parents risk raising a generation that can't connect without a screen, one that lacks patience, deep emotions, critical thinking, creativity, imagination, and emotional intelligence.
A generation raised on 15-second clips and constantly changing content may become psychologically and intellectually fragile—unable to focus or adapt in a rapidly changing world.
Note from Nadormagazine: Always consult a medical professional before applying any advice or treatment.
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