The World Health Organization recommends that children under the age of two should not be exposed to any type of screen, but research conducted by the Child Protection Polyclinic of the City of Zagreb in 2017 revealed that eight out of ten small children are in contact with screens. In recent years, there has been an increase in children who receive a delay in enrolling in the first grade of primary school, with about 4,000 children in Croatia receiving a postponement this year. One of the most common reasons cited for this delay is children’s psychophysical immaturity, which can be influenced by various factors, including excessive exposure to screens or ‘screening.’
Psychologist Ivana Bilić from the Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Youth in Zagreb explains that a child’s brain development is most intense until the age of three. She emphasizes that exposure to diverse stimuli strengthens these synapses and builds the brain, but excessive screen time can lead to thinning and weakening of these connections. Educational rehabilitator Jelena Petranović suggests that children under two years old should not be exposed to screens at all. For children between 2 and 3, exposure should be limited to a maximum of half an hour a day, while those aged 3 to 4 and 5 to 10 should not spend more than 30 minutes and 1 to 1.5 hours per day in front of screens, respectively. The time spent in front of a screen should be balanced with outdoor activities, practical skills development, and exposure to varied stimuli to promote healthy brain development.
Petranović also emphasizes that the quality of screen content is crucial. She advises parents carefully choose content with slower-paced visuals and suitable for the child’s developmental age. In instances where children prioritize watching content in a language other than their mother tongue, there could be implications for language development. Both experts highlight the importance of setting limits, maintaining consistency, and providing children with various stimuli to foster creativity, communication, and socio-emotional growth away from screens.
Research conducted by Bilić has shown that excessive exposure to screens can lead to delayed cognitive development and behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders (ADD). She recommends setting limits on screen time for young children and ensuring they engage in physical activity daily.
On the other hand, Petranović suggests that it’s essential for parents
