The supposed monster of the modern age for children (!), the arch-enemy of many parents, and the scapegoat readily available for “experts” from every field: screen exposure… Are screens genuinely that harmful in physiological, psychological, and social terms? Or are they simply the convenient culprit filling the gap left by ignorance and inattention?
Before examining these questions, we must first clarify what screen exposure really means — and even at this basic level, some common myths begin to appear.
Screen exposure is most simply defined as a child’s direct or indirect engagement with screen-based devices such as tablets, smartphones, televisions, PlayStations, Xbox consoles, and similar technologies. This means that a child watching cartoons on a tablet, doing homework on a computer, or even sitting passively while their parents watch the news on TV is being exposed to screens.
When discussing screen exposure in children and adolescents, some groups specifically target entertainment content (e.g., cartoons and short videos) for children and social media or messaging apps for teens. Ironically, these same groups do not consider the viewing of their own videos, the use of their apps, or the purchase of their software as “screen time,” labeling these instead as educational or functional — and sometimes even therapeutic. Such double standards should not be taken seriously. Screen exposure, in any form or context, simply means looking at a screen.
Research into how technology affects health, well-being, and psychosocial development began in the early 1900s. Despite more than a century of data, public concerns and perceptions have hardly changed. Claims about physiological harms (especially eye-related disorders) and psychosocial impairments (such as academic decline and weakened social relationships) remain remarkably persistent.
Historically, in the 1930s and 1940s, when radios became widespread in households, concerns emerged that children were becoming lethargic, losing focus, and falling behind academically. Adventure or crime-themed radio shows were accused of causing emotional overstimulation and behavioral issues. However, reviews of that period found little scientific evidence to support such fears.
In the decades that followed, televisions took center stage in debates, then came computers, gaming consoles, and tablets. Today, smartphones are in the spotlight. For over a century, technology has been portrayed as a threat (!). Of course, improper use — in terms of duration, content, and context — can pose risks. But if we label technology as a “monster” from the outset, we neither gain control over it nor benefit from the conveniences and opportunities it offers.
On the contrary, such fear-based avoidance may leave us behind the times and unprepared for modern life. More seriously, it may delay children’s adaptation to essential 21st-century skills. For instance, a child unfamiliar with Minecraft might feel excluded at a playground or classroom where everyone else is discussing it. Similarly, children who are disconnected from popular digital trends may find it harder to participate in social environments, leading to isolation.
Debunked Myths About Screen Exposure in Children
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Screens lower children’s intelligence.
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Digital devices cause addiction in children.
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Early screen use causes autism.
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Screens hinder children’s social skills.
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Screens lead to hyperactivity in children.
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Screen time completely disrupts children’s sleep.
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Educational screen use doesn’t count as screen time.
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The earlier children are exposed to technology, the smarter they become.
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Screen time kills creativity.
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Screen use weakens family bonds.
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Screens permanently damage the eyes.
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Blue light causes blindness.
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Screens cause myopia (nearsightedness).
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Digital devices weaken eye muscles.
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Blue-light filtering glasses are essential.
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Children’s eyes are more vulnerable to screens than adults’.
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Smaller screens are more harmful.
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Bright screens damage the retina.
References
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American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). Should you be worried about blue light? https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/should-you-be-worried-about-blue-light
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African Vision and Eye Health. (n.d.). Blue light exposure and its effects: A literature review. https://avehjournal.org/index.php/aveh/article/view/685/1845
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American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Media and young minds. https://www.aap.org
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Canadian Paediatric Society. (n.d.). Screen time and children: Promoting healthy habits. https://www.cps.ca
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Common Sense Media. (n.d.). The relationship between screen time and social skills. https://www.commonsensemedia.org
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Digital Wellness Lab. (n.d.). The effects of screens on mental health. https://digitalwellnesslab.org
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Harvard Health Publishing. (2019, April 8). Will blue light from electronic devices increase my risk of macular degeneration and blindness? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/will-blue-light-from-electronic-devices-increase-my-risk-of-macular-degeneration-and-blindness-2019040816365
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Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). How screen time affects children’s brains. https://www.health.harvard.edu
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National Institute on Media and the Family. (n.d.). Myths and facts about screen use. https://www.mediafamily.org
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Pool, M. M., Koolstra, C. M., & van der Voort, T. H. A. (2003). The impact of background radio and television on high school students’ homework performance. Journal of Communication
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University of Alabama at Birmingham. (n.d.). Debunking digital eyestrain and blue light myths. https://www.uab.edu/news/news-you-can-use/debunking-digital-eyestrain-and-blue-light-myths
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University of Michigan Health. (n.d.). Managing screen time. https://www.uofmhealth.org
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WebMD. (n.d.). What to know about blue light and your eyes. https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/blue-light-health
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World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age. https://www.who.int