SINGAPORE: Giving children smartphones at an early age may have long-term negative effects on their learning abilities and memory, according to a study by researchers at the National University of Singapore.
The study analyzed data from 502 children collected through a survey program in Singapore. Researchers examined the relationship between screen time at different ages and later developmental outcomes, including school performance at age 9 and memory at about 10½ years old.
The findings indicated that greater smartphone use during early childhood was associated with poorer academic performance and memory. Children who were exposed to smartphones and high levels of screen use between ages 1 and 6 appeared to face a higher risk of these negative outcomes.
Researchers said excessive screen exposure around age 6 may also adversely affect children’s observational abilities. They stressed the importance of limiting smartphone use among school-age children.
The researchers said time spent on smartphones can displace activities that support learning and development, including play, reading, family interaction and engagement with the surrounding environment.
More read, New Zealand proposes social media ban for under-16s
Earlier, New Zealand’s government has introduced legislation seeking to restrict social media access for people under 16, requiring major platforms to take effective steps to prevent children from using their services.
Under the proposed law, platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat would be required to implement age-verification measures and demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to prevent users younger than 16 from accessing their services.
