"Screen Time in Early Childhood Linked to Atypical Sensory Processing, Experts Warn"
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests a link between excessive TV viewing in toddlers and abnormal sensory behaviors, such as disengagement, seeking intense stimulation, and being overwhelmed by stimuli like loud sounds and bright lights. The study analyzed data from 1,471 babies and toddlers and found that screen exposure at 12, 18, and 24 months was associated with increased likelihood of exhibiting these behaviors. However, the study is observational and cannot establish a causal link, and more research is needed to confirm the association and any underlying cause. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends limiting screen time for children under 18 months to video chatting only, and for 18- to 24-month-olds to watching educational programs with a caregiver.