As a mom of two—I get it. Screens are everywhere. They’re helpful, entertaining, and sometimes, let’s be honest, the only reason we get to finish our coffee while it’s still warm. But as both a parent and the CEO of a nonprofit that helps strengthen families, I can’t stop talking about the effects screens have on our children and the future of our society as a whole.

In fact, new research shows that consistent screen use by children does more than just bolster a disconnect between parents and children; it actually shapes the way a child’s brain develops.

Here’s the heart of it: kids’ brains are still under construction. The early years are when neural connections are built at lightning speed. What they see, do, and interact with literally shapes how their brains grow. When screens take up too much time, other critical activities—like face-to-face conversations, imaginative play, or outdoor exploration—can get pushed aside. And that comes with consequences.

Research from the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital found that children who use screens excessively tend to have lower development in parts of the brain responsible for language, self-regulation, and critical thinking. That means a child who’s spending hours each day swiping and tapping might struggle more with focus, finishing tasks, or expressing themselves clearly.

In fact, a National Institute of Health study showed that preschoolers who logged more than an hour of screen time a day (without parental involvement) had less white matter in their brains—white matter helps with learning and communication.

Translation: too much solo screen time can make it harder for kids to learn and connect with others.

And it’s not just about the brain scans. Pediatricians are seeing real-life effects too: increased irritability, sleep issues, delayed language development, and emotional outbursts—especially when it’s time to turn the screen off. Some even call this “post-screen tantrum syndrome.” If your toddler melts down the minute you hit pause, or your six-year-old zones out in front of the TV but bounces like a pinball after, you’re not alone. You’re seeing your child’s brain struggle to shift gears.

That said, this isn’t a guilt trip. Screens aren’t the enemy. They can be tools for learning and connection—especially when we use them together, not as babysitters. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for kids under 18 months (other than video chatting), and about one hour a day of high-quality programming for kids ages 2–5. But even more important than the number is the how.

Watching with your child, pausing to talk about what you see, and choosing programs that encourage imagination and problem-solving can make all the difference.

At home, my husband and I are trying to create what I like to call “tech-light” habits. We’re not perfect, but we aim for screens to stay off during meals, out of bedrooms, and off at least an hour before bedtime. And we’ve noticed that when we stick to it, our kids play better, sleep better, and honestly, we all connect better.

If you’re noticing big mood swings, trouble sleeping, delayed speech, or a preference for screens over people, it might be time to scale back and reset. That might feel hard at first—but kids are incredibly adaptable. When we give them more time to play, talk, run, and imagine, their brains will thank us. So will their future teachers, friends, and—someday—their own kids.

Screens are part of our world now. But they shouldn’t take over theirs.

Lauren Hall is the President and CEO of First Things First. Contact her at [email protected].