Why Screen Time is Harmful for Children Under 2

In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere—phones, tablets, televisions, and computers are a part of everyday life. While technology has many benefits, research consistently shows that screen time can be harmful for children under the age of 2. Despite the temptation to hand over an iPad or turn on the TV to keep little ones entertained, pediatricians and child development experts warn that early exposure to screens can negatively affect a baby’s health and development.

What the Research Shows

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends no screen time (other than video chatting) for children under 18 to 24 months. This recommendation is backed by a growing body of evidence:

1. Delayed Language Development

• Study: A 2017 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that toddlers who had more handheld screen time experienced delayed expressive language development. For every 30-minute increase in daily screen time, there was a 49% increased risk of expressive speech delay.

• Why it matters: Babies learn language through live, responsive interactions with caregivers. Passive screen viewing does not provide the social feedback needed for language development.

2. Reduced Attention Span and Cognitive Delays

• Study: A 2019 study in JAMA Pediatrics followed over 2,000 Canadian children and found that higher screen time at 24 months was linked to poorer performance on developmental screening tests at 36 months, particularly in communication, problem-solving, and motor skills.

• Why it matters: Early brain development is deeply influenced by hands-on exploration and real-world interactions, not passive viewing.

3. Sleep Disruption

• Study: Research in Pediatrics (2014) found that children under 3 exposed to screen media had shorter nighttime sleep duration and longer time to fall asleep.

• Why it matters: Quality sleep is critical for healthy brain development, emotional regulation, and physical growth in infants and toddlers.

4. Increased Risk of Obesity

• Study: A review published in Obesity Reviews linked excessive early screen time with reduced physical activity and increased risk of unhealthy eating habits, both contributing factors to childhood obesity.

• Why it matters: Movement and active play are essential for healthy physical development in the first years of life.

The Power of Human Interaction

Young children thrive on responsive, face-to-face communication. Playing, singing, cuddling, and reading with a caregiver provide rich opportunities for babies to build social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Screens, no matter how “educational,” simply can’t replicate these meaningful human interactions.

What You Can Do Instead

• Talk and sing to your baby throughout the day

• Read picture books and point to objects

• Encourage tummy time and sensory play

• Go on stroller walks and explore the environment together

• Let your baby watch your face—not a screen

Final Thoughts

While video chatting with loved ones is a healthy exception, regular screen use for children under 2 is best avoided. The first two years of life are a time of rapid brain development, and every moment counts. By choosing real-world interactions over screens, you’re giving your child the strongest possible foundation for lifelong learning and well-being

What About the Beloved Ms. Rachel?

Her YouTube channel, Songs for Littles, is loved by families for its simple, engaging videos that focus on early language, communication, and learning through music. So, is it an exception to the no-screen-time rule?

Let’s dive in.

What Makes Ms. Rachel Different?

Ms. Rachel (Rachel Griffin Accurso) is an early childhood educator and singer with a Master’s in Music Education. Her videos are:

• Slow-paced and intentionally simple

• Filled with repetition, sign language, and musical learning

• Designed to encourage speech, imitation, and engagement

This sets her apart from overstimulating cartoons or fast-moving YouTube content.

Educational—Yes. A Replacement—No.

While Ms. Rachel’s content is developmentally informed and often praised by speech-language pathologists, it should be seen as a supplement to real-world learning, not a substitute.

Research shows:

• Babies under 2 learn best through live, responsive interactions

• Video alone doesn’t support language growth unless paired with caregiver engagement

• Co-viewing (watching together) is key to making screen time more beneficial

A study in Child Development (2010) found that infants didn’t learn new words from video unless a parent was present and interacting with them.

How to Use Ms. Rachel Responsibly:

If you’re using Ms. Rachel’s videos, here’s how to make the most of it:

• Watch together: Sit with your child, sing along, repeat words and actions

• Engage after: Continue songs or signs throughout your day

• Keep it short: Limit screen time to brief, intentional sessions

• Use it as inspiration: Model her techniques in your everyday routines

  
  

The Bottom Line:

Ms. Rachel can be a helpful tool for parents and a positive screen-time choice, but your face, your voice, and your interaction are still your child’s most powerful teachers.

Even the best screen can’t replace the magic of live connection, cuddles, play, and song and dancing!