What you get by completing this session

  • 30 mins of CPD

    A 25 minute video lecture with presentation slides, you can stop and start anytime you like. 5 minute quiz is included.

  • Certificate of Completion

    Receive a certificate once you complete the session. Download this from your student dashboard or in your course completion email

  • Easy CPD Documentation

    Fill out the CPD Documentation activity at the end of the session, receive a PDF summary of your CPD activity and reflection right to your email inbox to save or print out!

What you'll learn in this expert session

Current research highlights a correlation between intensive early screen exposure (IESE) with symptoms and signs similar to autism, in children as young as one year-of-age. Greater screen use has a detrimental effect on a range of development outcomes, and it is not known at this stage to what extent these changes may be reversed. 

In this presentation, Dr Sharman will examine the cognitive and social changes in school-aged children resulting from excessive screen time, discuss the importance of socialising away from digital media, and emphasise the benefits of increased exercise in wide-open, natural spaces.


Learning Objectives:

  • Recognise the importance of a digital media-free early childhood
  • Examine the cognitive and social changes in school-aged children resulting from excessive screen time
  • Discuss with parents how best to manage reduction in screen time and instead, substituting spending time with the child, encouraging them to exercise and socialise away from digital media


About the Expert

Dr Rachael Sharman

Dr Rachael Sharman is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in psychology, specialising in child/adolescent development. Dr Sharman's research is focused on the optimal and healthy development of the paediatric brain, and has covered the neuro/psychological impacts of dietary practices of parents and their children, physical activity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, genetic disorders, concussion and childhood trauma.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    How to complete this course

    • Instructions

  • 2

    Digital Technology and Impact on the Developing Brain

    • Summary and learning objectives

    • Video lecture (25 mins)

    • Quiz: test your learning (5 mins)

  • 3

    Document your CPD here

    • CPD Documentation and Reflection Activity Tool

  • 4

    Feedback

    • Please let us know your thoughts