What is a potential negative effect of excessive screen time on young children?

Excessive screen time for young children can lead to developmental delays, particularly in areas such as language and attention. When children spend excessive amounts of time in front of screens, they may have fewer opportunities for face-to-face interaction, which is essential for language development. Interacting with caregivers and peers helps children learn to communicate effectively, enrich their vocabulary, and develop social cues. Furthermore, screen time can affect attention spans, as it often requires quick shifts in focus and can lead to difficulties in concentrating and engaging in extended activities that require sustained attention.

On the other hand, the other options—improved social skills, enhanced language development, and increased physical activity levels—typically do not result from excessive screen time. In fact, too much time spent engaging with screens can detract from meaningful interactions and physical play, which are critical for healthy childhood development.