Report warns of screen time impact on children under five

A report titled “Prácticas de cuidado y crianza en la primera infancia,” conducted by the Ministry of Human Development of the City and Universidad Austral, highlights the increasing use of digital devices among children under five in Argentina. The study indicates that while device usage is rising across all socioeconomic groups, the specific ways screens are integrated into daily life depend on material conditions and available support networks.

Key concerns identified in the report include the negative impact of early and prolonged screen exposure on language development, communication skills, and general cognitive abilities. Specifically, exposure during the first two years may hinder vocabulary breadth and comprehension, as well as problem-solving skills and social experiences.

Caregivers also reported behavioral changes in children, such as difficulties with sleep, reduced attention to environmental stimuli, lower frustration tolerance, and a decreased preference for physical play when screens are available on demand.