Early Screen Exposure Linked to Sensory Processing Challenges in Children

Study finds increased screen time in early childhood associated with heightened risk of atypical sensory behaviors

Early exposure to screens is linked to sensory processing challenges in children, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Children exposed to greater TV viewing by their second birthday were more likely to develop atypical sensory processing behaviors, such as 'sensation seeking' and 'sensation avoiding,' as well as 'low registration' -- being less sensitive or slower to respond to stimuli, such as their name being called, by 33 months old.
At 12 months, any screen exposure compared to no screen viewing was associated with a 105% greater likelihood of exhibiting 'high' sensory behaviors related to low registration at 33 months.
At 18 months, each additional hour of daily screen time was associated with 23% increased odds of exhibiting 'high' sensory behaviors related to later sensation avoiding and low registration. At 24 months, each additional hour of daily screen time was associated with a 20% increased odds of 'high' sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding at 33 months.
The findings add to a growing list of concerning health and developmental outcomes linked to screen time in infants and toddlers, including language delay, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral issues, sleep struggles, attention problems and problem-solving delays.