Do screens affect young children’s brain development? In this episode of Raising Questions, Koen Kusters speaks with neuropsychologist Edyta Cios about what research says about screens and their effects on the developing brains of young children.
The conversation explores why the early years of brain development are especially sensitive to media exposure. It looks at how screen time can replace important activities like conversation, reading and play, and why some children’s videos may overload young brains with fast edits, loud sounds and constant stimulation.
They also discuss why many children struggle to stop watching videos, how today’s endless stream of online content differs from traditional television, and what makes children’s media age-appropriate.
Edyta Cios is a neuropsychologist specialising in child development and digital media. Her research focuses on how screen-based media influences young children’s cognitive and emotional development, and how media can be designed in ways that better support healthy learning and development.