learn best by navigating real-life situations and paying attention to reactions of other people around them. The need to adjust their own responses based on instant feedback they receive is a key aspect of emotional development. Without these experiences, a child will miss out on the opportunities to learn how to identify and regulate emotions, especially in stressful situations. What can parents do? Although excessive screen time is undoubtedly harmful to children’s development, screens and technology are not our enemies if we know how to use them wisely and effectively. Here are some simple strategies that can help parents naviscores on language and cognitive tests. Besides cognitive development, too much screen time also impacts children’s mental health. The ABCD study, which is the largest long-term research project of brain development and child health in the U.S., found that children who spent more time on digital devices were more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and social anxiety over two years. Why is that? More screen time means fewer real-life social interactions, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. They may also struggle with emotional regulation, which is the ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience appropriately. Children 88 HAWAII PARENT May/June 2025 Screen use triggers dopamine – a brain chemical that makes activities feel rewarding and addictive. “Even well-known tech leaders like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates limited their children's device use.”
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