Excessive exposure to television or mobile phone screens for children less than five years old could have adverse effects on their development, suggested a study by Chennai-based researchers, published in PLOS One.

The researchers evaluated the performance of children and their understanding of commands from their mothers. It was found that children exposed to several hours of television or mobile phone screens were not able to comprehend what they were being told.

A total of 718 children, aged six months to five years, were included in the study. Around 70% of them had been exposed to excessive screen time, noted the researchers. Though the study was done in 2019, lead study author, Samya Varadarajan said that it could also apply to the current scenario, as children are forced to study through online classes during the pandemic… (The Hindu, October 18, 2021)