Screen Time, Autism and CocoMelon

As a psychologist, I have been asked numerous times about the effects of screen time on children, and more recently, in relation to Autism and CocoMelon. Screen time has been a topic of debate for years, with parents and experts weighing in on both the positive and negative effects on a child’s development. However, recent studies have shed light on the potentially harmful effects of excessive screen time, particularly for young children.

When it comes to Autism, there is no evidence to suggest that screen time causes or directly contributes to the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, studies have found that excessive screen time can exacerbate existing symptoms of ASD, such as social withdrawal, communication difficulties, and hyperactivity. This is because screen time can interfere with social interaction, communication, and the development of language skills, all of which are crucial for children with ASD.

Now let’s talk about CocoMelon. CocoMelon is a popular children’s show on YouTube that features animated characters singing and dancing to nursery rhymes and children’s songs. While the show has gained a massive following among young children, some parents and experts have expressed concern about its hyper-stimulating and addictive nature.

If you have young children who enjoy watching Cocomelon, it’s important to know that this show can be very stimulating for their developing brains. Like a drug, bright colors and fast-paced music can cause a release of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to addictive behaviors and withdrawal symptoms. Over time, children may become dysregulated and have difficulty playing creatively without the constant stimulation provided by the show. It’s important to monitor your child’s screen time and encourage them to engage in other activities that promote healthy development, such as physical activity and creative play.

Additionally, studies have found that excessive screen time can lead to language delays, short attention spans, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems. This is because screen time can interfere with the development of cognitive and language skills, as well as social-emotional skills, that are crucial for healthy development. When they are swapping out too much screen time and missing play, it will affect brain development.

And, of course, too much screen time can lead to serious screen time battles between a parent and child.

The Positive and Negative Effects of Television on Child Development

Positive Effects of Television on Child Development

Negative Effects of Television on Child Development

Educational benefits: Educational programming can introduce children to new ideas, language, and information. Educational shows can also promote curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Reduced physical activity: Watching too much television can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can increase the risk of obesity and other health problems.

Exposes children to diversity: Television can expose children to different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, which can foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance.

Exposure to violence: Exposure to violence in television programs or movies can desensitize children to violent behavior and make them more aggressive.

Entertainment and relaxation: Television can provide a source of entertainment and relaxation for children, which can be beneficial for their emotional and mental well-being.

Sleep disturbance: Watching television late at night can disrupt children’s sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Language development: Educational TV shows can introduce children to new words and concepts, improve their vocabulary, and encourage them to engage in conversations and pretend play.

Addiction: Television can be addictive, and excessive screen time can lead to behavioral problems, difficulty concentrating, and poor academic performance.

Cognitive skills: Educational TV shows can help children develop problem-solving skills, number concepts, and basic science knowledge.

Negative body image: Children who are exposed to unrealistic body images on television may develop negative body image and self-esteem issues.

Social-emotional skills: Educational TV shows can model positive social behaviors, such as cooperation, empathy, and emotional regulation.

Negative impact on academic performance: Watching too much television can lead to poorer academic performance and lower grades.

Parent-child interactions: Educational TV shows can facilitate parent-child interactions by providing a shared topic of conversation and promoting joint engagement.

Difficulty with face-to-face communication: Excessive screen time can interfere with a child’s ability to engage in face-to-face communication and social interaction.

Exposure to different cultures and lifestyles: Television can expose children to different cultures and lifestyles, promoting acceptance and diversity.

Risk of exposure to inappropriate content: Children who watch television unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate content, such as violence, sex, or drug use.

What Does the Research Say About Screen Time and Children?

Research suggests that the amount of screen time that is appropriate for a child depends on several factors, including their age, developmental stage, and individual needs.

Studies have also shown that educational TV shows, such as Sesame Street, can have a positive impact on a child’s development in several ways, including language development, cognitive skills, social-emotional skills, and parent-child interactions. However, it’s important to note that not all TV shows marketed as educational are actually beneficial, and screen time should be balanced with other activities such as physical activity, social interaction, and creative play.

Overall, parents should be aware of their child’s screen time habits and make adjustments as needed to ensure a healthy balance. This may involve limiting exposure, watching shows with their children to promote conversation and joint engagement, and making sure their child is getting enough physical activity and face-to-face interaction for proper social development. Ultimately, moderation and a thoughtful approach to choosing appropriate media for their children can help parents ensure their child’s healthy development.

How Much Screen Time are Children and Teens Getting?

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average American child spends a significant amount of time on screens each day. The average daily hours of screen time vary by age group:

• 8–10 years old: Six hours.
• 11–14 years old: Nine hours.
• 15–18 years old: Seven and 1/2 hours

What Is the Right Amount of Screen Time By Age?

The amount of screen time that is appropriate for a child depends on several factors, including the child’s age, developmental stage, and individual needs. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides some guidelines for parents to help them manage their child’s screen time:

For children under 18 months old: avoid screen time other than video chatting with family and friends.

For children aged 18 to 24 months: introduce high-quality programming or apps, but watch it together with your child to help them understand what they are seeing.

For children aged 2 to 5 years: limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programming or apps.

For children aged 6 and older: set consistent limits on the amount of screen time and the types of media that are allowed.

What Can Parents Do to Manage Screen Time and Choose Appropriate Media for Their Children?

First and foremost, moderation is key. Parents should limit their child’s screen time to no more than 1 hour per day for children aged 2–5 years and set consistent limits on the amount of screen time for older children. Short episodes are best, and parents should watch shows with their children to encourage conversation and engagement.

Parents should also prioritize alternative activities, such as physical activity, social interaction, and creative play, to promote healthy development. Additionally, parents should choose media that is age-appropriate, educational and promotes positive values and behaviors. Seeking out reviews and recommendations from trusted sources can also help parents make informed decisions about media for their children.

As a parent, it is important to be mindful of your child’s screen time habits and make informed decisions about media consumption.

7 Tips to Help You Manage Your Child’s Screen Time and Choose Appropriate Media

1. Moderation is key: Limit your child’s media usage to less than 3 hours per day, as research has shown that excessive screen time can lead to attention and behavior problems.
2. Short episodes are best: Choose shows or games with short episodes to prevent overexposure and encourage your child to engage in other activities.
3. Limit exposure: Set consistent limits on the amount of screen time and the types of media that are allowed. Encourage alternative activities such as physical activity, social interaction, and creative play.
4. Watch shows with your kids: Watch shows or play games with your children to talk about what they are watching or playing. This can promote conversation, engagement, and critical thinking.
5. Don’t let it be a babysitter: Avoid using media as a babysitter or to occupy your child for extended periods of time.
6. Encourage physical activity and face-to-face engagement: Make sure your child is getting enough physical activity and face-to-face engagement with you and other children for proper social development.
7. Play, play, play: Play is crucial for cognitive and social development, so encourage your child to engage in creative play, problem-solving, and exploration.

As a parent, it’s understandable to be concerned about your child’s screen time usage. While some screen time can have positive benefits for children, it’s important to be aware of the potential negative effects, especially when it comes to excessive screen time and hyper-stimulating media like CocoMelon. As such, it’s crucial to prioritize moderation, encourage alternative activities, and choose age-appropriate, educational media to support healthy development and overall well-being for your child.

Citations:

Hermawati, D., Rahmadi, F. A., Sumekar, T. A., & Winarni, T. I. (2018). Early electronic screen exposure and autistic-like symptoms. Intractable & rare diseases research, 7(1), 69–71. https://doi.org/10.5582/irdr.2018.01007

Intusoma, U., Mo-Suwan, L., Ruangdaraganon, N., Panyayong, B., & Chongsuvivatwong, V. (2013). Effect of television viewing on social-emotional competence of young Thai children. Infant behavior & development, 36(4), 679–685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infbeh.2013.07.001

Zimmerman, F. J., & Christakis, D. A. (2005). Children’s television viewing and cognitive outcomes: a longitudinal analysis of national data. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 159(7), 619–625. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.159.7.619

Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.

Are you looking for SOLUTIONS for your struggling child or teen?

Dr. Roseann and her team are all about solutions, so you are in the right place!

There are 3 ways to work with Dr. Roseann:

1. In-person at her Ridgefield, CT center
2. Virtually with her at home neurofeedback and coaching programs
3. By joining my Natural Parenting Solutions for ADHD, EF, LD, Anxiety, OCD, Mood & PANS/PANDAS Community

You can get her books for parents and professionals, including: It’s Gonna Be OK™: Proven Ways to Improve Your Child’s Mental Health, Teletherapy Toolkit™ and Brain Under Attack: A Resource For Parents and Caregivers of Children With PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalopathy.

If you are a business or organization that needs proactive guidance to support employee mental health or an organization looking for a brand representative, check out Dr. Roseann’s professional speaking page to see how we can work together.

Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including, CBS, NBC, FOX News, PIX11 NYC, The New York Times, The Washington Post,, Business Insider, USA Today, CNET, Marth Stewart, and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”

She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) and The Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB).

© Roseann-Capanna-Hodge, LLC 2023