Protecting IQ by decreasing screentime
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2015 10:28 AM

Most parents are fairly wary of technology and the impact it has on their kids. From computers to video games to TV, children have access to a world of digital interfaces that are exciting and fun, but should be limited. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 2 should avoid screentime altogether. The AAP does not state the number of hours of media older children can receive, but notes that excessive use of digital devices can lead to lack of sleep, obesity, attention issues and poor academic performance.

It all hinges on sleep 
Perhaps the most worrisome effect of too much screentime is lack of sleep. Getting shut eye is essential for many reasons, including protecting IQ. According to a study published in the journal Sleep Medicine, the duration people sleep is linked to their performance on IQ tests and in school. Researchers had children between the ages of 7 and 11 take the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. The results indicated that the more sleep the kids got, the better their IQ scores. 

Sleep and screentime
How does this all relate back to digital media? Unfortunately, kids who sleep near a small screen may get less shuteye than children who don't. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who sleep near a small screen (phones, tablets, etc.) received 20.6 fewer minutes of sleep a night and indicated feeling unrested in the morning. Kids who slept in a room with a TV indicated getting 18 fewer minutes. Additionally, increased screentime (actually using the devices) decreased sleep time for kids. Overall, the study indicated that being near or using devices at night is linked with less adequate sleep. 

That knowledge, coupled with the results from the Sleep Medicine study, indicated that many kids don't get as much sleep as they could, and less sleep is associated with lower IQ scores. 

Reducing screentime
The AAP offers parents ways to limit their children's screentime. For instance, families can turn off the TV during meals or create screen-free zones in the house. Bedrooms, home offices and kitchens are good examples of areas of the home that don't need a TV or video games. Home offices will have computers, but they can be used more for work than for fun. 

"Considering the overall evidence on screens and health, it's recommended that parents keep screen media out of their child's bedroom, limit total screen time and set a curfew for these devices," Jennifer Falbe, lead author of the AAP study and public health researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, told CNN. "Set realistic but firm rules. For example, you can make sure electronic devices are off at least one hour before bedtime."