Summary
A Canadian study found that young children who spend more time on screens tend to score lower on reading and math tests. The study followed over 5,400 children from early childhood through grades three and six, linking higher screen time to lower academic performance.
Key Facts
- The study involved over 5,400 children from early childhood through grades three and six.
- Each extra hour of daily screen time in early childhood linked to about a 9-10% lower chance of high test scores in reading and math.
- The study collected data in Ontario, Canada, between 2008 and 2023.
- Parents reported screen time, which included TV, digital media, and video games.
- High screen time was associated with lower reading and math scores in grades three and six.
- Video game use particularly affected girls' reading and math scores in grade three.
- Researchers suggest too much screen time may disrupt normal brain development.
- Future research may explore how different types of screen content affect learning.
