Early Smartphone Use Linked to Weaker Memory in Children: Study

A study of 502 children published in the World Journal of Pediatrics links high screen exposure at age 1 to poorer academic performance and weaker working memory by age 10.5.

Researchers from Inserm and the National University of Singapore found that infancy and early school years are critical periods where screen time may displace developmental activities like reading and play.

Previous research involving 18,905 children suggests that while early screen use correlates with language and attention difficulties, educational content watched with caregivers may mitigate these negative outcomes.