Preschoolers, Screen Time, and Motor Developmentf

In today’s digital age, screens have become an omnipresent element in children’s lives. But what does this mean for our young ones, especially when it comes to their physical development? A recent study has shed some light on the relationship between screen time and motor skills in preschoolers. Learn more about preschoolers, screen time, and motor development to encourage healthy motor development in children. You can download a free copy of this article as a handout at the bottom of the post.

Preschoolers Fine Motor Skills and Screen Time – What Does the Research Say?

Children are growing up in a world filled with media that offers altered sensorimotor experiences. Fine motor skills (FMS) are crucial for learning and cognition. A recent study took a closer look at screen time and fine motor skill development.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between screen media usage and the development of Fine Motor Skills (FMS) in preschool children, focusing on whether media usage stimulates or suppresses FMS development. Using a cross-lagged-panel design with two waves spaced a year apart, the research examined 141 preschool children. The children’s FMS were assessed using the German Version of the Movement-Assessment-Battery for Children (Movement ABC). To gauge children’s media usage, a parent questionnaire was employed, which measured time spent on various media platforms, rated on a 6-point Likert scale. The study further differentiated between newer media forms like gaming devices, smartphones, tablets, and PCs versus traditional television viewing to explore more granular developmental relations.

Results of the Study on Fine Motor Skills and Screen Time

Following data analysis, the researchers determined the following:

• A negative relationship was observed between screen media usage and FMS development. Higher media usage led to decreased FMS over time.
• When distinguishing between newer media (like tablets and smartphones) and television, the study found that newer media usage was associated with decreased FMS development.
• Children with better FMS were observed to use less media a year later.
• Findings align with previous research indicating negative associations between media usage and FMS.
• While newer media requires some fine motor actions (like using a joystick or touchscreen), it may not be enough to support comprehensive FMS development. It’s possible that media usage might replace other essential learning activities that help in FMS development.
• The study suggests that newer media might interfere with 3-dimensional spatial mapping, but this requires further research (Martzog & Suggate, 2022).

Implications for Educators and Parents

Research indicates that screen time may not always be beneficial for healthy child development. Here are some suggestions to help.

1. Screen Time Monitoring: While media plays a significant role in children’s lives, excessive usage can hamper the development of vital FMS. Parents and educators should be mindful of the time kids spend on devices.
2. Balanced Activities: Encourage activities that boost FMS, such as block-play, crafting, drawing, or playing in a sandpit. The tactile experiences from these activities can be beneficial.
3. Understanding Media Differences: All screen times aren’t the same. While newer media devices may require some fine motor actions, they might not be enough to support the comprehensive development of FMS.
4. Early Interventions: Children with lower FMS might be more inclined towards newer media. Recognizing this can help in creating tailored interventions to balance their activities.
5. Research Insights: Educators should be aware of the research around media usage and FMS development to make informed decisions in curricular activities.
6. Future Research: There’s a need to understand how specific types of media activities (like virtual reality) might impact sensory perceptions and FMS.

In essence, while media has its advantages in the modern world, it’s crucial to ensure a balanced mix of activities for comprehensive child development.

Past Research on Gross Motor Skills and Screen Time

Historical data has also pointed towards the possible negative impacts of screen time on gross motor skills:

• An earlier study found that children exposed to television for longer durations at 29 months exhibited weaker gross motor skills by age 5 (Pagani, et al, 2013).
• Another research indicated a connection between perceived motor competence, media usage, and BMI Niemistö et al, 2019).
• High media usage was also linked with reduced gross motor skills in preschoolers in a study conducted by Felix et al. (2020).
• Overall, excessive media consumption seems to be associated with poorer gross motor skills and decreased physical activity among preschool children (Hinkley et al, 2012).

Tips to Reduce Screen Time for Preschoolers

Reducing screen time can be challenging but essential for your child’s physical development. Here are some strategies:

1. Set Clear Limits: Establish daily screen time limits and stick to them.
2. Encourage Outdoor Play: Activities like playing in a park or walking can greatly reduce screen attraction.
3. Offer Non-Screen Alternatives: Board games, puzzles, and books can be great alternatives.
4. Be a Role Model: Limit your own screen time to set a positive example.
5. Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of your home, like the dining room, as screen-free zones.

Ideas to Boost Motor Skills in Preschoolers – No Screens Required

As screens become ever-present in our lives, understanding their impact on our children’s development is crucial. The recent research, highlighting the correlation between excessive screen time and decreased motor skills in preschoolers, underscores the need for balance. For parents looking to enhance their child’s motor skills without the need for screens, here’s an expanded list of easy-to-set-up activities.

Easy Fine Motor Skills Activities for Preschoolers

1. Play-Dough Exploration: A portable tub of play-dough can be molded and shaped. This can be an engaging activity during restaurant waits.
2. Crayon and Paper: A small notebook and a few crayons can go a long way. Let them doodle, draw, or even practice writing their name.
3. Sticker Art: Carry a sheet of stickers. They can peel them off and create scenes on paper, which is especially great for restaurant tables.
4. Paper Punch: A handheld paper punch and some scrap paper allow them to create designs or just enjoy the action of punching.
5. Pipe Cleaners: These are easy to mold, twist, and shape. They can create small figures, jewelry, or even abstract art.
6. Lacing Cards: Pre-punched cards with shoelaces or ribbons. They can practice threading, which is both fun and calming.
7. Puzzles: Make your own puzzles or use large-piece puzzles.
8. Sorting Tray: Carry a compartmentalized tray with items like buttons or colored rocks. Let them sort by size, color, or shape.
9. Clothespin Color Match: Color the tips of clothespins and have a corresponding colored paper. They can clip the clothespin on the matching color.
10. Tape Art: Safe, easy-to-tear tape like washi tape or painter’s tape can be fun. They can tear, stick, and create designs on paper.

These activities are not only easy for parents to set up but also lightweight and portable, making them suitable for various settings, from home to restaurants. By incorporating them into your child’s routine, you can promote their fine motor skill development even in the most ordinary situations.

Easy Gross Motor Skills Activities for Preschoolers

1. Balloon Tap: Inflate a balloon and encourage your child to keep it off the ground by tapping it.
2. Indoor Bowling: Set up some empty bottles and roll a soft ball to knock them down.
3. Dance Freeze: Play their favorite tunes and dance, but they have to freeze when the music stops!
4. Bean Bag Toss: Create targets using hula hoops or buckets and let them toss bean bags into them.
5. Animal Walks: Encourage them to walk like different animals across the room – hop like a frog, slither like a snake, or gallop like a horse.
6. Simon Says: A quick game that requires listening and movement, ideal for indoor play.
7. Scavenger Hunt: Make a simple list of items for them to find in the house or backyard.
8. Shadow Play: On a sunny day, let them play with their shadows – jump over them, dance with them, or try to escape them.
9. Cushion Path: Lay cushions or pillows on the floor and let your child walk or jump from one to another.
10. Bubble Pop: Blow bubbles and encourage them to chase and pop them.

For parents who are always on the go, keeping a small bag with items for a few of these activities can be a lifesaver. Whether waiting at a doctor’s office, dining at a restaurant, or even taking a short break at a park, these simple activities can ensure your preschooler is engaged, learning, and developing essential motor skills.

Next Steps for Educators and Parents

The findings of this study and past research underscore the importance of fostering hands-on play experiences for preschoolers to support their motor skill development. Recognizing the demands of modern life and the conveniences screens offer to busy families, it’s essential not to see this as an all-or-nothing approach. Every moment of play, be it with traditional toys, crafts, or outdoor activities, contributes positively to a child’s growth. Parents have the incredible power to shape their child’s development.

By integrating even short bursts of tactile play into daily routines, families can strike a balance that benefits their child’s motor skills while still utilizing the benefits of technology when needed. Every playful moment counts, and each small effort can lead to significant strides in a child’s motor development journey.

References

Felix, E., Silva, V., Caetano, M., Ribeiro, M. V., Fidalgo, T. M., Rosa Neto, F., … & Caetano, S. C. (2020). Excessive screen media use in preschoolers is associated with poor motor skills. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 23(6), 418-425.

Hinkley, T., Salmon, J. O., Okely, A. D., Crawford, D., & Hesketh, K. (2012). Preschoolers’ physical activity, screen time, and compliance with recommendations. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 44(3), 458-465.

Martzog, P., & Suggate, S. P. (2022). Screen media are associated with fine motor skill development in preschool children. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 60, 363-373.

Niemistö, D., Barnett, L. M., Cantell, M., Finni, T., Korhonen, E., & Sääkslahti, A. (2019). Socioecological correlates of perceived motor competence in 5‐to 7‐year‐old Finnish children. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 29(5), 753-765.

Pagani, L. S., Fitzpatrick, C., & Barnett, T. A. (2013). Early childhood television viewing and kindergarten entry readiness. Pediatric research, 74(3), 350-355.

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