Local experts warn too much screen time could slow development for young children

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Experts say today’s youngest generation is growing up surrounded by screens — often before they can even read or write.

New research shows children are spending more hours online than ever before. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends very limited screen time among young children.

Marie Volbrecht, a clinical neuropsychologist with Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, says too much screen exposure can interfere with a child’s sleep and emotional development.

“Screen time for very, very young children — birth to two — should be zero. From two to five, very minimal, because their brains are still developing at that age,” she said. “It’s becoming a lot more common that younger ages are getting a lot more screen time than they used to, which I think neg