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.
