Diaper Days Blog: Are Short-Form Videos Harming Your Child's Brain?

The internet is awash in short-form videos. From YouTube Shorts to TikTok to Instagram Reels, these highly entertaining, algorithm-driven forms of media are the current rage. But the lingering question floating around the medical community is, “Are these short-form videos harming our children?”

While research is ongoing into the effects these videos have on our brains, research already shows that heavy consumption of online content harms focus and self-control. A recent review of over 70 studies totaling nearly 100,000 participants concluded that heavy consumption of short-form video was associated with poorer cognitive performance, particularly in attention span and impulse control.

A review published by the American Psychological Association found correlations between the heavy consumption of short-form video and increased rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness.

Scientific research has already established that excessive screentime for children under age three causes their brains to form abnormally, leading to short attention spans, poor impulse control, and social-emotional and language delays.

Further research is always welcome. But it’s clear to me that we’re likely to discover that short-term videos are harming your child’s brain.

You know what doesn’t harm them? Reading books, sensory play, outdoor play, and back-and-forth engagement and games with people who love them. Those things promote the best brain development in young children.

If you want more ideas for babies under age one, check out my latest book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year, where you’ll discover over 400 screen-free activities proven effective in building healthy brains.

Many young mothers I’ve spoken to are going counter cultural and cutting off their children's screentime. They report seeing improved attention, richer interactions, and fewer negative behaviors in their kids. Many have added that limiting their own screentime leaves them calmer and better able to handle the pressures of mothering.

Are you ready to join them?