Change Your Child’s Environment to Change Your Child’s Life: Part 4
Electronic use is one of the biggest environmental stressors that didn’t exist at the same level 50 years ago. Today, it’s recommended that children avoid screens until at least age 2 or 3, but based on my experience, I suggest waiting until at least age 6. For children ages 6 to 14, limiting screen time to 30 minutes a day is ideal, and for high schoolers, a maximum of 1–2 hours per day is recommended. A great book on this topic is Reset Your Child’s Brain, which provides a step-by-step guide to reducing screen time and its negative effects.
During the first few years of life—especially the first three—the brain undergoes rapid development, forming up to 90% of its total structure. Introducing excessive electronic stimulation during this critical period can disrupt normal development, leading to challenges in attention, behavior, and learning. Simply put, if you provide the brain with unhealthy input, you’ll likely see unhealthy output.
The Impact of Electronics on Brain Development
Excessive screen time exposes children to unnatural light frequencies and overstimulation, which can contribute to attention disorders like ADHD. Research has shown that too much screen use can negatively affect brain structure, similar to the impact of concussions. Putting a young child in front of a screen for extended periods can lead to long-term developmental challenges, and even older children who exceed 30–60 minutes of screen time per day may experience negative effects.
Many kids today are spending 4–5 hours a day on screens, which is concerning. While it’s understandable that screens are often used as a convenient babysitter, the long-term consequences far outweigh the short-term convenience. The real question is: Do you want to deal with temporary frustration from limiting screens, or struggle with behavioral and learning issues for years to come?
Screen Time, Dopamine, and Addiction
One of the biggest concerns with excessive electronics use is how it alters brain chemistry. Video games, social media, and other digital stimuli create short bursts of dopamine—the brain’s “reward” chemical. Every time something exciting happens in a game, the brain gets a quick dopamine hit, reinforcing short attention spans. This cycle is similar to what happens with substance addiction, training the brain to seek constant stimulation.
In the real world, however, sustained attention is necessary for learning, problem-solving, and social interaction. Unlike video games, life doesn’t provide instant rewards. This is why children who spend too much time on electronics often struggle with focus, patience, and real-world engagement.
The Solution: Reducing Screen Time
If you want to prevent or improve attention issues, reducing screen time should be a top priority. In a society that is becoming increasingly dependent on electronics, we are seeing a rise in attention and behavioral challenges. Currently, about 11% of children in classrooms have been diagnosed with ADHD, though many educators believe the true number is much higher. Some professionals now refer to these struggles as Executive Functioning Issues rather than ADHD, acknowledging the broader cognitive difficulties that excessive screen time can contribute to.
The good news? Limiting screen time can make a dramatic difference. When children step away from electronics, they tend to:
Become more socially engaged
Make better eye contact
Improve listening skills
Develop stronger focus
Complete everyday tasks more efficiently
While it may take some time for kids to adjust, removing excessive screen exposure can lead to significant improvements in their attention, behavior, and overall well-being.