Research indicates that the age when children are exposed to screens matters as much as the duration, with critical periods at infancy and early school age linked to later academic success and working memory.
A new study suggests that when children are exposed to screens may matter almost as much as how much time they spend with them, with the strongest links to later academic performance and working memory appearing in infancy and again around the start of school.
Researchers from Inserm and the National University of Singapore analysed data from the GUSTO birth cohort in Singapore, following 502 children from infancy into middle childhood. According to the World Journal of Pediatrics study published in May 2026, screen viewing was measured at six points between ages 1 and 8, then compared with school performance at about age 9 and working-memory scores at around 10.5.
The clearest association emerged at age 1, when heavier screen exposure was linked to poorer later outcomes. A second pattern appeared at age 6, just as children were entering formal education. By contrast, the study found no significant association at ages 2 and 3, which suggests the relationship is not uniform across early childhood.
Researchers said one explanation may be that screen time displaces activities that are especially important in infancy, such as conversation, play and direct engagement with caregivers. They stressed, however, that the findings show an association rather than proof that screens directly cause weaker memory or lower academic performance.
The broader message, echoed in a ScienceDaily summary on 24 August 2026 and an EurekAlert! release in June, is that parents may want to think not only about total screen time, but also about developmental stage. The study does not argue for eliminating screens altogether, but it does reinforce guidance to limit excessive use in very young children, particularly when it could crowd out sleep, reading, physical activity and family interaction.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
