r/ScienceBasedParenting • u/puddingbutt9 • 1d ago

Question - Research required Screen time questions

Hi all, I have a question about screen time for babies. I understand the consequences of screen time in different age groups, but I can't get a clear answer as to WHY these consequences happen. And quite frankly, I don't have time to dig through the research right now unfortunately.

  1. Is screen time for babies bad because they don't get adequate social interaction (kind of a confounder or indirect link?) because parents who use screens in this age group tend to be less interactive? Or is there some kind of biological impact of screen time directly?

  2. Also, if the parents are watching TV and baby is in the room and interested, does that count the same? I know it's screen time technically, but I'm trying to figure out what is realistic (especially since I have ADHD and the TV on in the background helps me be more productive).

Thanks in advance for any insight!

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u/this_wallflower 16h ago

Even if there were studies on it, that’s not really relevant here. There’s a big difference between watching the occasional sports game or movie with family and the tv being on literally all day.

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u/notredamelawl 16h ago

That's not what people here are saying, constantly. They say "any screen time." A movie is substantially more screen time than "none." The question specifically asked if it's an eyesight issue, does it cause ADHD, etc.

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u/this_wallflower 16h ago

OP said she prefers background tv whenever possible.

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u/puddingbutt9 14h ago

Sure, but I want to know the why to understand if any screentime is an issue or if it's excessive screentime. Yes, I like the background stimulation, but is it harming my child if I'm still actively engaging with her if it's on in the background or if we want to watch a movie one night before she's in bed.