Screen Time and the Impact upon Social Skills

Studies have found evidence that excessive screen time can lead to increased rates of obesity, irregular sleep patterns, hyperactivity, and conduct problems in children. A recent study found that with a combination of decreased screen time and increased social interactions children were better able to read nonverbal social cues. 

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, studied sixth graders and their ability to accurately read nonverbal social cues. The participants were reassessed after spending five days at an outdoor camp with no access to electronic devices and increased social interactions with peers, according to a recent article on NPR.

"We found that the kids who had been at camp without any screens, but with lots of those opportunities and necessities for interacting with other people in person improved significantly more," said Dr. Patricia Greenfield, senior author of the study.

Currently the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against screen time for children ages 2 and younger and recommends a maximum of two hours of entertainment related screen time per day for children between 3 - 18 years of age. The current study supports continued advocacy for children to maintain a healthy screen diet.

To learn more read Kids and Screen Time: What Does the Research Say? at NPR.