Key Points
- Screen addiction is impairing children’s speech and behavior.
- Experts urge limiting screen time for children under five.
- Over 200 children are undergoing rehabilitation for screen-related issues
According to Dr. Yvonne Brew, a developmental pediatrician at Greater Accra Regional Hospital, excessive screen exposure among young children is leading to developmental challenges, including speech delays and behavioral issues.
She describes this trend as a “silent epidemic,” noting that children under five are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms observed include loss of speech, restlessness, avoidance of eye contact, and mimicking foreign accents.
Dr. Brew emphasizes that many parents, seeking to pacify their children, resort to providing mobile phones and tablets. “We are losing our children, not to war or hunger, but to screens,” she stated. This overreliance on digital devices is contributing to developmental setbacks.
Experts urge limiting screen time for children under five
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children under two years old should not be exposed to screens at all, while those aged two to five should have no more than one hour of screen time daily.
Dr. Brew advocates for policies aligning with these guidelines, suggesting that children below three years should have zero screen time and that preschools should avoid using screens for teaching.
She also calls on religious institutions and educational centers to cease using televisions and other screens as learning tools for young children.
Instead, she encourages activities that promote physical play and direct human interaction to foster healthy development.
Over 200 children are undergoing rehabilitation for screen-related issues
Since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020, there has been a noticeable increase in children presenting with speech and behavioral issues linked to excessive screen time.
Dr. Brew reports that some children spend between six to ten hours daily on screens, leading to challenges such as speaking in cartoon-like voices or foreign accents.
Currently, over 200 children are undergoing rehabilitation at her department. Dr. Brew notes that while the impact is more severe in children under three, early intervention has shown promising results. She urges parents to seek medical advice if they notice developmental delays in their children.
