Pediatrician: Too Much Screen Time Has Serious Consequences - German expert warns screens are devastating child development
Excessive screen time is harming children's development, warns a leading German pediatrician. Tanja Brunnert, federal spokesperson for the Berufsvereinigung Kinder- und Jugendärztliche Gesellschaft, describes the effects as 'devastating', particularly in early childhood. Her concerns include delays in language, motor skills, and social behavior linked to heavy media use.
Brunnert highlights that children over 12 are especially at risk, with up to one in four showing problematic media habits. Many spend over six hours daily on digital devices, leading to sleep disturbances and poor concentration. She also notes a rise in social anxiety among adolescents, as excessive screen time reduces their ability to form friendships.
Brunnert’s findings point to a growing crisis in child development tied to digital overuse. The effects range from physical delays to social withdrawal, with long-term consequences for learning and mental health. Parents and educators are being urged to monitor and limit children's exposure to screens.
