Young children who have more than four hours of screen time a day tend to display pronounced developmental delays in communication and problem-solving, a study has found.
The study, stemming from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project in Japan, adds to concerns over screen time and its implications for child development.
Screen time, defined as the duration spent on devices such as televisions, mobile phones and tablets, has seen a sharp rise in recent years.
This is largely attributed to the more widespread availability of digital devices and external factors like the Covid-19 pandemic.
The World Health Organisation and the American Academy of Paediatrics, among others, have long recommended limiting screen exposure for children, suggesting no more than an hour a day for those aged between two and five years.
However, contemporary data illustrates that a majority of children surpass these guidelines.
The study, published in the journal Jama Paediatrics, found that out of 7,097 children surveyed, 4.1 per cent engaged in four or more hours of screen time daily.
These children, when compared to their peers, consistently showcased significant developmental delays.
While detrimental impacts on communication and problem-solving were consistent, other areas, such as gross motor skills, appeared unaffected.
Furthermore, while the effects on fine motor and personal and social skills were evident at age two, these seemed to diminish by age four, suggesting potential developmental catch-ups in certain areas.
Compared to prior studies, this research introduces the plausible concept of “reverse causation”, whereby children with existing developmental delays might naturally gravitate towards more screen time.
One crucial differentiation factor is the type of screen content.
Some studies have indicated that while general screen exposure can reduce language skills, content that is educational might have the opposite effect, enhancing linguistic capabilities.
The study strongly emphasises the importance of children engaging in regular physical activity as a beneficial alternative to prolonged screen time.
Moreover, prioritising adequate sleep is highlighted, ensuring not only children's healthy growth but also their overall well-being.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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It's up to you to go green
Nils El Accad, chief executive and owner of Organic Foods and Café, says going green is about “lifestyle and attitude” rather than a “money change”; people need to plan ahead to fill water bottles in advance and take their own bags to the supermarket, he says.
“People always want someone else to do the work; it doesn’t work like that,” he adds. “The first step: you have to consciously make that decision and change.”
When he gets a takeaway, says Mr El Accad, he takes his own glass jars instead of accepting disposable aluminium containers, paper napkins and plastic tubs, cutlery and bags from restaurants.
He also plants his own crops and herbs at home and at the Sheikh Zayed store, from basil and rosemary to beans, squashes and papayas. “If you’re going to water anything, better it be tomatoes and cucumbers, something edible, than grass,” he says.
“All this throwaway plastic - cups, bottles, forks - has to go first,” says Mr El Accad, who has banned all disposable straws, whether plastic or even paper, from the café chain.
One of the latest changes he has implemented at his stores is to offer refills of liquid laundry detergent, to save plastic. The two brands Organic Foods stocks, Organic Larder and Sonnett, are both “triple-certified - you could eat the product”.
The Organic Larder detergent will soon be delivered in 200-litre metal oil drums before being decanted into 20-litre containers in-store.
Customers can refill their bottles at least 30 times before they start to degrade, he says. Organic Larder costs Dh35.75 for one litre and Dh62 for 2.75 litres and refills will cost 15 to 20 per cent less, Mr El Accad says.
But while there are savings to be had, going green tends to come with upfront costs and extra work and planning. Are we ready to refill bottles rather than throw them away? “You have to change,” says Mr El Accad. “I can only make it available.”
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
