With Winter Break approaching, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on why we Waldorf Early Childhood teachers discourage media and screens for young children. I know there will be plane rides and airports, long car rides, or reuniting with cousins who watch screens during your winter break adventures. This information is meant to provide helpful, research-based insights about the impacts of screen time on young children, offering talking points with family or serving as an inner voice providing strength when your little one begs for the screen.

Dopamine Receptors and Stress

Screen-based media overstimulates dopamine receptors in the brain, which can lead to hyperactivity and difficulty regulating emotions. The heightened stimulation can cause children to become more irritable or stressed, even days after screen use has ended.

Melatonin and Sleep Disruption

Exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, disrupts the production of melatonin, a hormone essential for quality sleep. Poor sleep can impact a child’s behavior, mood, and ability to learn and focus.

Brain Development

The first seven years are a critical time for brain development. Excessive screen time can interfere with the development of attention span, problem-solving skills, and creativity. By offering screen-free alternatives, we nurture healthy neural connections that support long-term growth.

What to Do Instead

On Car Rides or Airplanes

• Pack a small bag of open-ended toys like simple dolls, wooden figures, or drawing materials.
• Share family stories.
• Play verbal games like “I Spy” or make up rhymes and riddles together.

At Home When Needing Alone Time

• Create a cozy reading nook with favorite books and stuffed animals.
• Offer sensory activities like playdough, water play, or simple crafts.
• Set up a small playscape with blocks or natural materials like sticks and pinecones.

What to Say to Family Whose Children Are Watching Screens

It can be challenging when extended family have different approaches to screen use. Here are some gentle ways to navigate the conversation:

• “We’ve noticed our child does best when we limit screens, so we’re trying to stick to our usual rhythm even during the holidays.”
• “Screens tend to overstimulate our child, so we’re focusing on activities that help them feel calm and connected.”
• Suggest alternatives, like reading a story together or playing a simple group game.