Do screens help or hinder children's development?

In an age of omnipresent technology, one of the most pressing questions for parents, educators, and health professionals is: do screens help or hinder the development of children? The answer, although complex, must be built on scientific evidence, careful observation, and, above all, human sensitivity. This article aims to offer a balanced, inspiring, and motivational perspective on this topic, valuing not only data but also affection and creativity in the relationship between adults and children.

In recent decades, neuroscience has significantly advanced our understanding of how the child’s brain develops. We know, for instance, that the early years of life are marked by intense synaptic formation—connections between neurons that are strengthened through interaction with the surrounding world. This interaction must be rich in sensory, social, and motor stimuli—meaning it requires movement, touch, eye contact, listening, and affection. When a child spends hours in front of a screen, they miss out on exploring the real world with all their senses, which can compromise the full development of cognitive, emotional, and social functions.

Studies conducted by Harvard University and Stanford University have shown that excessive screen time can negatively affect children’s attention span, working memory, sleep, and even behavior. A 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that children aged 2 to 5 who spend more than one hour a day in front of screens are more likely to exhibit delays in language and social skills. This does not mean all screen time is harmful; rather, unmoderated and purposeless use can lead to significant impacts. The key lies in quality, intentionality, and duration of exposure.

To make this reflection more concrete, it is worth mentioning the experience of playwright and educator Antônio Carlos dos Santos, who created the play “Screens, only with health” (see by clicking here). In it, through playful, fun and accessible language, children and adults are invited to reflect on the conscious use of technologies. The play is an invitation to self-regulation, balance and intergenerational dialogue. Despite addressing issues that plague today, “Screens? Only with health!” draws on classical philosophy, Socrates and the Myth of the Cave to emphasize how education can ensure the sustainable use of contemporary technologies.

From the play emerged the method TBMB – Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater, a methodology applied in schools and cultural centers to address sensitive issues with children, such as screen time, bullying, and healthy eating. With handcrafted puppets and popular theatrical language, the methodology connects with children’s emotions, capturing attention and promoting lasting learning. Field studies conducted in partnership with the Federal University of Minas Gerais showed that children who participated in TBMB workshops developed greater critical awareness about screen time and showed increased interest in physical activity and reading.

Another educational approach inspired by the works of Antônio Carlos dos Santos is the MAT Method – Mindset, Action, and Theater. Through MAT, parents, educators, and children are invited to act out real-life situations based on true stories. Through dramatization, socio-emotional skills such as empathy, active listening, self-regulation, and conflict resolution are developed. In one MAT exercise, for example, a child plays the role of a video game that always wants to play, while another plays the child who needs to sleep, study, and talk to their parents. At the end of the scene, everyone reflects on the importance of setting boundaries and valuing time.

The ThM – Theater Movement method further reinforces the importance of the body as a learning tool. In a world that is increasingly sedentary—where children spend hours immobile in front of tablets and smartphones—ThM proposes a return to creative movement, body expression, and sensory awareness. In workshops with young children, movements inspired by screen characters are transformed into dances and physical games, helping integrate body and mind in a joyful and healthy way. Neuroscience has already shown that physical movement stimulates higher cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and logical reasoning.

It is crucial to remember that when we talk about screens, we are also talking about family bonds. A child who watches a cartoon with their parents, talks about the plot, and relates it to their life is making enriching use of technology. A child left alone for hours with a screen as a digital babysitter, however, is being deprived of essential interactions. Mediation is the key. According to the 2020 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the ideal for young children is less than one hour of screen time per day—always accompanied by an adult who guides, explains, and interacts.

So, yes—screens can support children’s development, as long as they are used wisely. There are educational apps, games that stimulate logical thinking, and videos that teach languages, science, or music. But all of this must be part of a broader pedagogical project that includes play, nature exploration, family and school interaction, silence, and quality sleep. No technology replaces eye contact, the touch of a hug, the scent of a new book, or the sound of laughter during a backyard game.

The mission of parents and educators is not to demonize screens but to teach children to use them consciously. It is to prepare them for the digital world without losing sight of what makes us human: empathy, movement, affection, and curiosity for the real. As Antônio Carlos dos Santos says, “The best technology is still love—and love requires time, presence, and listening.”

May we be inspired by creative pedagogical practices, reliable scientific studies, and methodologies that value childhood in all its richness. And may every adult who loves a child ask themselves: am I offering screens… or presence? Because, in the end, what truly shapes a child’s brain and heart is the quality of time spent with those who care for them. And that, no screen can replace.

Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br

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https://www.amazon.com/author/antoniosantos

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