Childhood Development: Brain Growth, Executive Function and Media Influence

During the formative years of childhood, three significant developmental processes shape a child’s cognitive abilities and future success. Firstly, infants are born with rapidly growing brains, which triple in size within the first two years of life, as they fine-tune themselves to the surrounding environment. Secondly, the development of executive function, crucial for long-term success, begins early and is influenced by factors like delayed gratification, as observed in the Stanford marshmallow test. Lastly, children today spend a significant amount of time with media, with the average preschooler spending about 30% of their waking hours in front of screens.

This increased exposure to media prompts questions about its direct effects on children’s brain development and executive function, as well as the potential trade-offs in social and cognitive development due to screen time. Concerns about overstimulation and attentional problems arise, with studies indicating a correlation between early television exposure and attentional issues later in life. Additionally, the allure of touchscreen devices and their interactive nature may lead to addictive behaviors, posing challenges for parents and educators.

Longitudinal studies on the long-term impact of technology on young minds are lacking, given the rapid evolution of digital platforms. However, there are indications that prolonged interaction with technology may delay the development of the prefrontal cortex, potentially altering traditional developmental milestones.