Development of children's brains is influenced by their usage of tech devices: Research

According to a review of 23 years of neuroimaging research, time spent watching television or playing computer games has significant and long-term consequences on children's brain function, which while showing adverse effects also demonstrates some positive ones. Screen time on tech devices affects children's brain function: Research In particular, the research finds screen time leads to changes in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, which is the base of executive functions such as working memory and the ability to plan or to respond flexibly to situations. "It should be recognized by both educators and caregivers that children's cognitive development may be influenced by their digital experiences," says the study's corresponding author, Chair Professor Hui Li, from the Faculty of Education and Human Development Faculty of Education and Human Development, at The Education University of Hong Kong. They synthesized and evaluated studies on children's digital use and associated brain development published between January 2000 and April 2023, with the ages of participants ranging from six months upwards. Other studies suggested that higher screen time is associated with lower functional connectivity in brain areas related to language and cognitive control, potentially adversely affecting cognitive development.