As foster carers, we’re tasked with nurturing and supporting children through crucial developmental stages. In today’s digital age, understanding the impact of electronic devices on young brains is more important than ever. This knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions about screen time and device usage, ultimately contributing to the healthy development of the children in our care.
Neuroscience of Electronic Device Usage
Recent studies have shed light on how electronic devices interact with developing brains. A scoping review published in the journal ‘Early Education and Development’ examined the effects of early digital experiences on brain function and structure in children aged 0-12. The review, which synthesised findings from 33 studies using neuroimaging, highlighted that screen time can lead to changes in the pre-frontal cortex, a region crucial for executive functions like working memory and flexibility in planning (ScienceDaily, 2023).
Moreover, evidence suggests that excessive screen time—estimated at 7 to 9 hours per day among children—can correlate with attention problems and impaired emotional intelligence. A meta-analysis noted a connection between media use and symptoms of ADHD, with research suggesting that frequent technology use disrupts normal attentional processes, potentially leading to executive function deficits (Small et al., 2020).
Impact on Dopamine
The relationship between electronic device usage and dopamine levels in the brain is particularly noteworthy. Dopamine, often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in reward and pleasure pathways. Engaging with electronic devices, especially through social media and gaming, can trigger dopamine release, reinforcing the behaviour and leading to repeated use (The Guardian, 2021).
This mechanism fosters a cycle where users develop a craving for digital engagement. As individuals increasingly rely on their devices for emotional satisfaction and distraction from discomfort, this can lead to issues such as decreased ability to delay gratification and difficulties in problem-solving, reinforcing the cycle of dependency on electronic interactions (The Guardian, 2021).
Prolonged exposure to these digital stimuli can result in a desensitisation of the dopamine system, diminishing its response to both electronic rewards and real-life experiences. This can lead to maladaptive behaviours and cravings for stimulating interactions through devices (Piedmont Healthcare, n.d.).
Effects on Sleep Patterns
The impact of electronic devices on sleep is a significant concern, particularly focusing on melatonin production and circadian rhythm changes. Research indicates that the use of electronic display devices before bedtime can adversely affect sleep quality due to the emission of blue light. This wavelength of light interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles (PubMed, 2020).
Melatonin serves not only as a sleep hormone but also as a signal of darkness that reinforces nighttime physiology. Its synthesis in the pineal gland is inhibited by exposure to light, particularly blue light emitted from smartphones and tablets. This inhibition leads to delayed sleep onset and altered circadian rhythms, disrupting the internal biological clock (Zisapel, 2018; ScienceDirect, 2020).
The effects of electronic device usage encompass alterations in melatonin levels, which can impact not only sleep duration but also the restorative quality of sleep. Disrupted melatonin production has been linked to decreased sleep efficiency and increased wakefulness, which in turn may impair cognitive functions and overall well-being (Vasey et al., 2021).
Conclusion
As foster carers, we play a crucial role in shaping the digital habits of the children in our care. Understanding the impact of electronic devices on young brains allows us to make informed decisions and implement strategies that promote healthy development.
Here are some practical tips for managing electronic device usage:
- Establish clear guidelines for screen time, balancing it with offline activities that promote face-to-face interactions and physical exercise.
- Create device-free zones and times, especially during meals and before bedtime.
- Encourage the use of blue light filters on devices, particularly in the evening hours.
- Model healthy device usage habits yourself.
- Engage in open discussions about the benefits and risks of technology use.
- Provide alternative activities that stimulate creativity and social interaction.
By implementing these strategies and staying informed about the latest research, we can help foster children develop a healthy relationship with technology while supporting their cognitive and emotional growth.
References
Blume, C., et al. (2019). Effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep, and mood. PMC6751071.
Harvard Medical School. (2021). Screen Time and the Brain. Retrieved from https://hms.harvard.edu/news/screen-time-brain
Piedmont Healthcare. (n.d.). 7 reasons to break your smartphone addiction.
PubMed. (2020). Evaluation of Two Strategies for Alleviating the Impact on the brain.
ScienceDaily. (2023). Children’s brains shaped by their time on tech devices. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231117102443.htm
ScienceDirect. (2020). Melatonin and the circadian system: Keys for health with a focus on sleep. B9780128199756000212.
Small, G. W., et al. (2020). Brain health consequences of digital technology use. PMC. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7366948/
The Guardian. (2021). Constant craving: how digital media turned us all into dopamine addicts.
Vasey, C., et al. (2021). Circadian Rhythm Dysregulation and Restoration: The Role of Melatonin. PMC8538349.
Zisapel, N. (2018). New perspectives on the role of melatonin in human sleep, circadian rhythms and their regulation. PMC6057895.
