Research brief · sample

Screen time at age 1 and later communication delays

The takeaway: In a big Japanese birth cohort, more daily screen time at age 1 was associated with higher odds of communication and problem-solving delays at ages 2 and 4.

What the study found

The Tohoku Medical Megabank birth cohort analyzed 7,097 mother-child pairs, grouping 1-year-olds by daily screen time and assessing developmental delay in five domains at 2 and 4 years. More screen time was linked to higher risk of delay in communication and problem solving.

How strong is the evidence?

Moderate. Large and prospective, but observational, with parent-reported screen time, so other family factors may play a part.

What to try tonight

• Narrate everyday routines out loud (“now we put on your sock”).
• Leave pauses for your baby to babble back.
• Try 10 minutes of floor play with simple objects.

Source

Takahashi I, et al. Screen Time at Age 1 Year and Communication and Problem-Solving Developmental Delay at 2 and 4 Years. JAMA Pediatr. 2023. PubMed 37603356 · doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3057

General information from published research, not medical advice for your child.