The Problem: Too Much Screen, Too Little Writing
Recent research across the globe highlights a concerning trend: young children spending more time on mobile devices and less time engaging in activities like writing and active learning.
- A 2023 review by MDPI shows that children under 3 exposed to over an hour of screen time daily often experience delays in language, attention, and early math skills. The fewer real-world conversations, the slower vocabulary grows.Daily Telegraph+6nurture.is+6Taylor & Francis Online+6
- Another systematic review confirms that screen exposure before age two negatively impacts receptive language, social interaction, and cognitive growth. Le Monde.fr
- A large U.S.-based study found that preschoolers with more than 2 hours/day of screen time were 1.5–2.4 times more likely to have speech or learning disabilities.Wikipedia
Distraction Over Learning
Smartphones and apps use persuasive designs to keep attention—leading children toward entertainment rather than focus-driven tasks like writing or drawing.
- Heavy multitasking across apps and media streams is linked with poorer memory, slower task-switching, and reduced planning skills.Wikipedia
- The American Academy of Pediatrics warns excessive screen time may impair attention span, memory retention, and literacy skills — especially in young learners.PMC+15Verywell Family+15PMC+15
School Readiness Impact
Children today often enter school lagging behind in literacy and writing skills. Some expert studies link this decline to early and excessive exposure to screens instead of hands‑on play and writing.
In Australia, a widening gap in literacy achievement has been tied to screen-based learning. Experts call for more pen‑and‑paper experiences to build deeper reading and writing ability.
A report from France—led by educational experts—went further, advocating to limit screen exposure until at least age six and reduce digital use in early education to preserve learning and well-being.
Why This Matters for Young Learners
- Writing by hand builds fine motor skills: Scribbling letters and shapes strengthens coordination in a way digital taps don’t.
- Real-world interaction boosts cognition: Conversing with adults and peers enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and social-emotional learning more than passive screen watching.
- Limited attention spans: Rapid content on screens trains kids to expect short bursts of stimulation, hurting their ability to focus on longer tasks like writing or exercises.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Limit daily screen time: AAP recommends no screen use before age 2, up to 1 hour/day for kids 3–5
- Encourage pen-and-paper activities: Simple tasks like drawing, tracing, and forming letters support learning.
- Screen together mindfully: Co-view interactive educational content rather than letting children scroll alone.
- Balance with real-world play: Prioritize storytelling, reading books aloud, and handwriting exercises.
How Effling Kids Helps
At Effling Kids, we’ve created fun, structured learning tools to support this balance:
- Designed for minimal screen exposure—a healthy combination of writing, tracing, and drawing.
- Ideal for building writing skills, number sense, and language through engaging, hands-on learning.
By encouraging parents to assign regular practice with Effling Kids, children spend more time writing, less time scrolling—and reduce screen dependency while boosting essential skills.
