This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
Excessive screen time linked to autism symptoms in children ¶
Published on May 5, 2020, a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has found a link between exposure to electronic devices and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptoms in children.
Researchers from Drexel University College of Medicine and Dornsife School of Public Health in the US conducted the study, which involved 2,152 babies who were followed from 12 months to 2 years of age.
The study found that children who were exposed to screens of electronic devices at 12 months of age were 4% more likely to develop ASD-like symptoms, while those who had daily playtime with a parent were 9% less likely to suffer from the symptoms.
According to Dr David Bennett, a professor of psychiatry and senior author of the study, the findings strengthen the importance of playtime between parents and children relative to screen time.
"There is a great opportunity for public health campaigns and paediatricians to educate and empower parents to possibly minimise their child's risk of ASD-like symptoms, which may include increasing social interaction and limiting exposure to screens of electronic devices at an early age," Dr Bennett said.
