What is a significant effect of excessive screen time on young children?

Excessive screen time can have notable negative impacts on young children's development, such as contributing to developmental delays and sleep issues. Prolonged exposure to screens may limit opportunities for children to engage in active play and face-to-face interactions, both of which are crucial for developing social skills, motor skills, and overall cognitive development. Additionally, the blue light emitted from screens can interfere with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulties in falling asleep and achieving restful sleep, which is essential for growth and development.

In contrast, options like improvement in social skills, increased physical activity, and better focus and concentration are generally not aligned with the research findings regarding the effects of too much screen time on young children. While screens may offer some educational content, active engagement with peers and physical activity are key to healthy development, making developmental delays and sleep issues the most significant concerns associated with excessive screen use.