Fraser Coast parents and teachers can learn how screens might be reshaping the brains of children.
The University of the Sunshine Coast will share insights on how excessive screen time can hinder social and emotional development in toddlers, ‘tweens’ and teens, in a presentation at its Fraser Coast campus on Thursday 31 October.
Leading educational psychologist, UniSC Associate Professor Michael Nagel will also unpack steps to ensure young minds get the experiences necessary to ensure healthy development and life outcomes in a world dominated by technology.
"This includes ways to wean kids and adolescents off screens," Dr Nagel said.
"Extensive research showed that intensive early screen exposure and overall time on screens might literally be rewiring the minds of those who have never lived without the internet," he said.
“The transition from child to adult depends in part on getting the right kinds of experiences at the right time to ensure optimum development.
“For more than a decade, those experiences have been hijacked by screen devices, apps and social media."
Evidence shows excessive screen time is associated with social and emotional problems in children and may lead to a vast array of disorders, including some symptoms similar to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“Affected children can show poor theory of mind — the ability to understand the thoughts or emotions of others,” said Dr Nagel, who has co-authored a book on the topic with UniSC psychologist Dr Rachael Sharman.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au