We’ve already discussed in previous Young Minds blogs how too much screen time can influence children’s focus, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. Now, a new long-term study brings another important insight, showing that high levels of screen use in early childhood may also affect how children perform in reading and maths later on.

What the Study Found

Researchers in Ontario, Canada followed more than three thousand children between 2008 and 2023. They compared parent-reported screen time in early childhood with results from reading and maths tests taken at ages eight and eleven, which would correspond to school years four and six in the UK.

Children who spent more time using screens during their early years generally scored lower in both reading and mathematics. This relationship remained consistent even after accounting for family income and parental education levels.

The researchers concluded that excessive early exposure to screens may limit the development of skills that are essential for academic progress, particularly those involving concentration, memory, and language.

Why Early Screen Habits Matter

The early years of a child’s life are critical for building language, problem-solving, and attention skills, all of which form the foundation for successful learning. When screen time replaces creative play, storytelling, or real-world exploration, children may miss valuable opportunities to practise these essential skills.

This does not mean screens are inherently bad. What truly matters is how and when they are used. Engaging, age-appropriate content, co-viewing with a parent, and guided discussions can make digital time educational and enriching. However, unstructured, excessive, or passive screen use may interfere with the natural learning process.

Digital wellbeing is less about strict control and more about balance and readiness. The findings from this study highlight the importance of helping children build a healthy relationship with technology from an early age.

Families can encourage this by focusing on three simple principles:
Safety with understanding: Set clear boundaries and explain why they matter, so children learn to make safe choices on their own.
Learning through doing: Promote active, creative, and reflective use of technology instead of passive scrolling.
Habits through motivation: Support consistent routines through encouragement and gentle structure, helping children develop self-discipline and confidence.

Practical Tips for Parents

Here are a few evidence-based ways to support balanced screen use at home:

  1. Create device-free zones, especially during mealtimes and before bed.
  2. Watch together and talk about what your child is viewing or playing.
  3. Encourage a healthy mix of screen activities and offline play, reading, or outdoor time.
  4. Model balance yourself, children learn most from what they see.

‍

A child trying to study, showing how the right balance between technology and learning can support healthy development.

‍

Key Takeaway

The growing evidence is clear: early screen habits influence far more than attention or behaviour. They can shape how children learn, think, and perform. But with clear boundaries, open conversations, and the right guidance, screen time can become part of a healthy, thriving digital childhood.

At Young Minds App, we’re helping families turn screen time into growth time — nurturing confidence, curiosity, and self-control from the very beginning.

Parents Also Ask:

‍How much screen time is healthy for young children?
There is no single rule for every family, but many experts suggest avoiding screens for children under two years old and limiting preschoolers to around one hour of high-quality, supervised content each day. The key is ensuring that digital time is meaningful, interactive, and balanced with real-world experiences.


Are all types of screen time equally harmful?
No. Interactive, educational, and shared screen use can support learning, while passive or unsupervised use is more likely to create problems. It’s not just the quantity of screen time that matters, but the quality of what children are watching and how engaged they are.


Can reducing screen time improve school performance?
Research suggests that limiting screen time can free up more opportunities for play, reading, and rest — all of which directly support learning and attention. Families who create consistent routines often see improvements not just in academic performance but also in emotional balance and communication.

‍