The Harmful Impact of Screens and Noise on Young Children's Brain Development
Children Immerse in Political Debates Expounded on Social Media and Televisions in Romania
In this age of constant political scandal, aggressive debates, and endless noise, children are unknowingly suffering the consequences right at home. A recent study[1] by ParentEd sheds light on the growing agitation among young ones due to the noise generated by adults. The situation worsens when children between ages 8-12 spend around 5.5 hours daily engrossed in their digital devices, with televisions left on throughout homes.
Even in the presence of families, televisions displaying news and noisy household appliances contribute to the harmful sound pollution children face. Being more vulnerable to noise than adults, their sensitive ears soak up the chaos and affect their mental and physical growth.
The Impact on Learning, Play, and Sleep
Frequently distracted by the continuous hum of loud TVs, children's ability to concentrate at school declines. Their memory weakens, and performance in tests suffers. Toys mean nothing when the television is blaring, preventing them from focusing on play activities. Television disturbs their sleep, causing them to wake frequently, stressed, and tired. Moreover, their tiny bodies are constantly on edge due to ongoing sound chaos.
The Over-exposure to Digital Screens
Research from 2024[4] reveals that children between 12 and 24 months, who spend 2 hours daily on screens, are 6 times more likely to experience speech delays. Children aged 8-12 already spend an alarming 5.5 hours a day using digital devices. This inclination has increased significantly since 2019, even before the COVID-19 pandemic started.[4]
The Need for a Calm Home Environment
To combat these issues, ParentEd recommends shutting off televisions when no one is watching, limiting screen time, and creating "quiet zones" within the home. Dr. Daniel Siegel, a renowned neuropsychiatrist, also advocates a method called RAIN to reduce anxiety: Recognize, Accept, Investigate, and Not identify with your anxiety when defining oneself. The method is suitable for both children and adults.
Dr. Siegel is set to deliver a conference at ParentEd Fest 2025 in Bucharest, focusing on integrating neuroscience with psychology. The two-day event will feature world-class experts in child-rearing and care, sharing insights on connection-based parenting, child development, and attachment.[6]
The Dangers of Noise and Screen Time
Excessive noise and screen time can have serious implications on the development and well-being of children, affecting their cognitive capabilities, behavior, social and emotional development, and sleep. To ensure a healthy environment for young ones, it's crucial for parents and caregivers to manage their children's exposure to both factors [2][3][5].
[1] How Noise Affects Children - HealthyChildren.org[2] Contributing Factors to the Rise in Adolescent Anxiety and Associated Mental Health Disorders: A Narrative Review of Current Literature - PMC[3] Controlling Noise Pollution to Prevent Hearing Loss - World Health Organization[4] Controlling Noise Pollution to Prevent Hearing Loss - World Health Organization[5] Noise Pollution and Chronic Stress in Children - Scientific American[6] ParentED Fest 2025 brings world-class experts to focus on child-rearing and care – ParentEd Romania
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In the midst of escalating noise and excessive screen time, a child's mental and family health can be severely impacted. To safeguard their overall well-being, it's crucial for parents and caregivers to encourage a calm home environment, incorporating methods like Dr. Daniel Siegel's RAIN technique and establishing "quiet zones," while also managing their children's screen time and exposure to noise.
