Research brief · sample
More screen time at 2 and 3, lower developmental scores later
The takeaway: In one large Canadian study, toddlers who had more screen time tended to score lower on a developmental screening test a year or two later.
What the study found
Researchers followed 2,441 mothers and children in Calgary (the All Our Families cohort) at 24, 36 and 60 months. Using a cross-lagged longitudinal model, they found higher screen time at 24 and 36 months was linked to poorer screening-test performance at 36 and 60 months; the model supported screen time predicting later scores rather than the reverse.
How strong is the evidence?
Moderate. It is a large longitudinal cohort, which is stronger than a snapshot, but it is observational and screen time was parent-reported, so it can’t prove cause.
What to try tonight
- Pick one screen-free stretch each day (after dinner works well) and keep it predictable.
- Swap one show for a read-aloud or an audio story.
- Put the tablet in a basket out of sight when it is not in use.
One thing that might help
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Source
Madigan S, et al. Association Between Screen Time and Children's Performance on a Developmental Screening Test. JAMA Pediatr. 2019. PubMed 30688984 · doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.5056
General information from published research, not medical advice for your child.