Bringing Attention to Digital Tools and Kids’ Learning: Do Screens Really Support Development?
Digital devices are a big part of kids lives today. From smartphones and tablets to computers and TVs, screens are everywhere at home, in school, and during playtime. Many parents and teachers wonder how screen time might affect children’s cognitive development, attention, and learning.
Research suggests heavy or early screen use could influence focus, memory, problem solving, language skills, and brain growth, especially in the early years when the brain develops fastest. Studies from the NIH and journals like JAMA Pediatrics often show links between higher screen time and challenges in those areas, though results depend on age, content quality, and how devices are used.
Doctor on How Screen Time Hurts Kids’ Cognitive Development
Watch this expert clip from Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath to hear one perspective on the topic. As a cognitive neuroscientist and former teacher, he shares insights from research and classroom experience about why screens might interfere with deep thinking and long term learning, even when the content is meant to be educational.
Denmark Rolls Back Digital Learning
Denmark has made big changes to how kids use digital devices in school. After years of tablets and online learning, the country now limits phones during class and after school activities. They are bringing back paper textbooks and handwriting.
This FRANCE 24 news clip explains why leaders made these shifts and what they hope it will do for children’s focus, mental health, and school performance. Watch to see one real world example of responding to heavy screen use concerns.
Closing Note: Screen Time Cognitive Development
The two videos raise important questions about screen time cognitive development and how digital devices fit into children’s lives today. One offers a scientific lens on what might be happening inside the brain. The other shows a country choosing to change course in real time. Together they remind us that the conversation is still unfolding. Research, real world results, and everyday experiences all play a part.
There is no single right answer here. What matters is what these clips mean to you, if anything at all. If they sparked a thought, a question, or a plan to look further, that’s enough. If not, that’s fine too. The page simply makes the videos available. The rest is yours to decide.
Read our Screen Time Healthy Guidelines.