The cost of digitisation to children’s developing brains cannot be ignored. Children find themselves in a digital world where screens are always within reach. This places increasing pressure on parents to manage the use of technology wisely, especially when it comes to young children.
The North-West University’s (NWU) Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) highlights two intertwined issues. The first is a rising reliance on screen time and the second is a declining presence of healthy, unstructured play.
Hanlie Degenaar, manager of the CHHP Care2Kids division and senior speech-language therapist, says these trends profoundly shape children’s development and wellbeing.
“Many parents use screens through technology such as phones, tablets and television to manage children’s behaviour. “If some parents are honest with themselves, they will know that they are using screens to babysit their children. It is convenient, it keeps children quiet, but unfortunately also comes at a cost.”
At the same time, Hanlie says free play and parent play, the most important protective factors for healthy development, are declining. “Play is definitely not just for children, it is a human need, but they especially need it. The average child needs much more than what they are getting.”
Screens alter developing brains
Hanlie explains that the first three years of life are crucial periods of brain growth in children.
“Excessive screen exposure during these years activates neural systems that do not support emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility and language development. Parents often think their children are learning because they repeat words or mimic actions from videos, but that is only imitation, not independent thinking. Watching videos or tapping apps is less cognitively demanding than building blocks and pretending to be a doctor for instance. Digital content leaves little room for creative thinking and role-play.”
The danger in this is clear. Every hour spent in front of a screen replaces time that could support whole brain engagement. “Children need responsive conversation, movement, problem-solving challenges and social connections to build the foundation for later creativity, academic success and emotional resilience.” Hanlie cautions that screen time, particularly in large amounts, disrupts these opportunities.
She says research shows that high levels of screen use are linked to weaker white-matter development in areas responsible for language, attention and social skills. “Screens cannot replace the neural richness of real interactions.”
Play is nature’s tool for healthy development
While screen time narrows neural activation, play does the opposite. Hanlie says free, exploratory play stimulates the very systems that screens silence. These are executive function, language, emotional intelligence and creative thinking.
“Children need opportunities to climb, crawl, build, experiment and imagine,” she says. These activities help them form 3D-mental models of their world, which later support mathematics, reading, spatial awareness and problem-solving. When play is replaced by structured activities or digital entertainment, these foundational skills weaken.”
Hanlie says the decline in imaginative play, especially among children who are exposed to long hours of screen time, is concerning. “Imaginative play in the early years is essential for developing the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and self-regulation.”
According to Hanlie, screens do not just displace play. She says it changes how children behave, sleep and interact. “Blue light exposure disrupts sleep patterns and this leads to irritability and reduced learning. Fast-paced digital content conditions the brain to expect constant stimulation, making real-life activities feel slow and uninteresting, and this can frustrate children.
“It is unfortunately true that children who spend many hours on screens move less, play less and rely more on passive stimulation. Research confirms that their play is less imaginative and less socially rich. These children struggle to follow instructions, shift attention, use language for problem-solving and engage with their peers.
It’s time to play again
Play does not need special toys or long blocks of time, says Hanlie. Ten minutes of playful and responsive interaction for example during mealtimes, bath time or even while getting ready for bed, can reset the nervous system, improve mood and strengthen connection.
“Simple strategies such as being silly, dancing together or adding playful twists to routines can transform everyday moments. Current guidelines recommend no screen time for children under two, and limited, supervised use thereafter. Parents should prioritise family interaction over digital distractions and it is here where play is pivotal.”
She concludes that to protect children’s and parents’ wellbeing, families need to reconnect with play and intentionally disconnect from screens. “Play is not a luxury; it is the key to thriving for adults and children.”
For more information and guidance on nurturing healthy development, parents can visit the Care2Kids at https://health-sciences.nwu.ac.za/chhp/care2kids
To watch videos of Prof. Pieter Kruger’s interview with Hanlie Degenaar about the importance of play, visit: https://youtu.be/DeW3lD0DzWg or learn more about the dangers of screen time, visit: https://youtu.be/wWx7SYEKZIs. Prof. Pieter Kruger is the director of the CHHP.
Hanlie Degenaar
