Early and School-Entry Screen Time Tied to Later Learning Gaps

A longitudinal study of 502 children followed from age 1 to 8 found that greater screen viewing, especially at age 1 and around the start of school (age 6), is linked to poorer academic performance by age 9 and weaker working memory by age 10.5. Timing matters: associations were weaker at ages 2–3 but re-emerged at 6, suggesting infancy and early schooling may be sensitive windows. Reducing screen time during these periods could help cognitive development, though content quality, device type, and parental co-viewing warrant further study.