Digital Distraction: How Screen Time Is Undermining Childhood Development

Excessive screen time, particularly passive television watching, is reducing children’s attention spans and impairing their social learning, health experts warn.

Prof. Charles Ibingira, former Principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences and senior researcher in the Department of Human Anatomy, says that overstimulation from fast-paced visuals and noise conditions the brain to expect constant stimulation, leaving children less able to engage with typical slower-paced real-life activities.

“Excessive screen time especially passive watching of TV can reduce attention span and social learning in children due to overstimulation of the brain. Fast‑paced visuals, constant noise, and quick scene changes on TV train the brain to expect high stimulation,” he stated on X.

This overstimulation, according to Ibingira, makes it significantly harder for children to focus on tasks like reading, listening in class, or holding conversations. He also adds that “social skills like empathy, eye contact, and emotional regulation are learned through face‑to‑face interaction,” and warns that “too much screen time means less time for human connection, which weakens the ability to read social cues or express feelings properly.”

Many children worldwide are found of excessive screen exposure leading to increased risks of anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, aggression, and low self-esteem . Away from these screens, its another world one can't explain.

Structural brain imaging studies of preschoolers show reduced white matter development in areas responsible for attention, language, and executive function among those exceeding recommended screen time .

Experts stress that while screen time can offer learning opportunities, such as educational apps or video chats, quality matters more than quantity. However, high amounts of passive screen exposure have been tied to delayed language, poorer sensory processing, disrupted sleep, lower executive functioning, and behaviour issues .

Additionally, a study of toddlers under 2 showed screen use was linked to delayed communication and problem-solving skills .

Ibingira recommended actionable strategies to help caregivers protect children’s attention and social health: “No single magic intervention: Create a focus-friendly environment. Minimize distractions: quiet space, no TV or gadgets nearby. Use a routine: predictable schedules help children focus better. Break tasks into short, manageable [parts]. Limit screen time, follow age-appropriate screen time.”

These align with global and CHLA guidelines that advise no screen time for under‑2s and limit to one hour of high-quality programming daily for those aged 2‑5 .

As Uganda and many countries embrace digital technologies, experts urge balancing screen access with in-person interaction, play, reading, and caregiver engagement.