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Specialist paediatrician cautions mothers on excessive screen time for children
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Dr. Sharron Makafui Aglobitse, a Specialist Paediatrician at the University of Ghana Medical Centre UGMC, has advised mothers against over-relying on screens as a substitute for interacting with young children. Speaking at the Convergence of Mothers event, Dr. Aglobitse warned that prolonged screen exposure can negatively impact children's speech, emotional development, and social skills. She acknowledged the demands of modern parenting, which can lead to digital devices being used as an easy option, but emphasized that screens should complement, not replace, active parenting. Dr. Aglobitse explained that children develop through two-way interaction, which screens cannot provide, unlike conversations with parents and caregivers. She noted that extensive screen exposure in infancy and early childhood is linked to delayed speech, emotional dysregulation, and reduced social interaction. The paediatrician also mentioned "virtual autism," where excessive screen use causes autism-like behaviors that can improve with reduced screen time and increased social interaction. She encouraged parents to create opportunities for conversation, storytelling, and play, highlighting that previous generations developed communication skills through family interaction. Dr. Aglobitse clarified that she advocates for moderation and parental involvement, suggesting parents watch programs with their children and discuss the content. She stressed that emotional regulation begins early and that consisten
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