Protecting Children’s Brains: The Power of What They See
Ever wonder how the things we see and experience shape who we are—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? It turns out, the content we consume has a huge impact on our brain development, especially in children. Our brains are incredibly adaptable—this is known as "neuroplasticity"—and the visuals we're exposed to can literally rewire how we think and behave. A 2018 study led by Dr. Diana Schendel at the National Institute of Health (NIH) examined the effects of screen time on the brain development of children. The study found that excessive screen time was associated with thinning of the cortex, a part of the brain responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, including decision-making and problem-solving. The thinning of the cortex can affect attention span, impulse control, and other executive functions.
But there’s good news! When children engage with educational or creative content in a balanced way, it can stimulate areas of the brain responsible for learning, memory, and problem-solving. So, whether screens help or hinder your child’s development really comes down to how, how much and when they’re used.
This blog post is for any parent who wants to raise a healthy, strong, and responsible child. The journey might look different depending on when you begin these practices, but trust me, it’s totally doable!
Below, I’ll share how what we expose our kids to can shape their lives, both now and in the future:
The Impact of Screen Time on Kids' Brains
Children's brains are still developing, which means they’re particularly sensitive to the impact of screen time. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can interfere with crucial brain development, especially in areas related to self-regulation and decision-making. For example, too much time spent on screens can lead to thinning of the cortex, which can result in attention problems and difficulty controlling impulses.
Additionally, excessive screen use limits face-to-face interactions, which are key for learning social skills like empathy and communication. Without enough real-world social engagement, kids can become isolated, which may lead to emotional struggles like anxiety or depression.
Screens and Addiction: The Hidden Dangers
Let’s face it: screens are designed to be addictive. Devices like smartphones and gaming consoles trigger the release of dopamine—the brain’s “feel-good” chemical—making kids crave more screen time. This creates a cycle of dependency that’s similar to substance addiction. Plus, the blue light emitted by screens disrupts sleep patterns, leading to poor-quality sleep and irritability. As you can imagine, a lack of sleep only makes things worse by affecting mood, attention, and mental health.
Content Matters: The Growing Concern Over LGBTQ+ in Kids' Media
Another growing concern for parents is the increasing push for the LGBTQ+ agenda in children’s media. Research shows that children are highly impressionable and typically internalize what they see on screen. Introducing adult topics too early risks distorting their understanding of relationships and identity. While it’s important to discuss these unavoidable topics, it’s important that this information should first be introduced to children by their own parents at an age parents deem in appropriate. I can’t stress this enough: always preview the content your kids are watching. If you're unsure about a movie or show, watch it yourself first. You can then talk to your children about what they’re seeing, explaining what’s appropriate and teaching them how to protect themselves from toxic or confusing content. For example, here’s a link to some of the Disney movies that contain LGBTQ+ themes: https://theweek.com/culture/1014325/lightyear-disney-lgbtq-representation
In a world where screens are a part of our daily lives, it can feel like an insurmountable challenge to protect your home- especially your children- from all the potential dangers that come with it. In my next blog post I’ll share some ways to ensure technology becomes a useful tool for your child.
Additional resources:
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (2020): This advocacy group provides a wealth of resources on the dangers of screen time, including guidelines on how parents can protect children from harmful content by setting limits and encouraging more hands-on, offline activities. https://fairplayforkids.org/
Understanding neuroplasticity and its importance for children in adversity. https://cafo.org/understanding-neuroplasticity-and-its-importance-for-children-in-adversity/
What chores are right for my child? https://pathways.org/chores-right-child/
There is a balance in protecting our kids from harm and giving them the freedom to fail, struggle, and the skills to succeed. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/are-you-protecting-your-kids-from-reality-or-preparing-them-for-life/