Fran J. Díaz , a pediatric physical therapist, warns about the impact of screens on babies and how this habit could trigger addiction problems in the future . According to Díaz, early use of electronic devices has a direct effect on children's brain development, especially in the first years of life.

The specialist explains that, when a baby is small, their brain is primarily stimulated by three key factors: light, sound, and movement . These elements are present in many traditional toys that aid learning. "It's like a shelf where learning is stored," says the physical therapist.

The impact of screens on children's brains

However, screens can disrupt this natural process . According to Díaz, electronic devices produce a much stronger stimulus than conventional toys. "When a child sees a bright, moving, and noisy screen, the brain receives endorphins at a much higher rate than with a conventional toy," she explains.

To illustrate this concept, the physical therapist uses a simple analogy: "A softly colored, low-pitched maraca can generate a surge of ten endorphins, but a screen can generate up to a hundred." This overstimulation , according to Díaz, conditions a child's brain to associate learning and happiness with elevated levels of dopamine.

The consequences of early exposure

The main problem, according to the expert, is that the child's brain begins to depend on this overload of stimuli. "The child begins to reject simpler toys, such as wooden ones, because their brain becomes accustomed to that constant stimulation ," Díaz points out. In the long term, this pattern can have serious consequences , since the reward circuit activated by screens is the same one used by addictive substances.

"When a child's brain is already conditioned to receive very strong stimuli, they will be more susceptible to addictions in the future."

This phenomenon can result in a greater susceptibility to addiction in the future . "When a child's brain is already conditioned to receive very strong stimuli, they will be more susceptible to addiction in the future , as they will learn that only through substances or extreme behaviors can they achieve that feeling of happiness," explains the physical therapist.

Recommendations for parents

Díaz urges parents to limit their children's exposure to screens , especially before the age of two. "It's one of the most difficult decisions in the digital age, but it's crucial to protecting the brain development of the little ones," she says.

The physiotherapist emphasizes that, although we live surrounded by screens, parents should make an effort to limit their use in the early years of life. "In the long term, the best investment we can make is to help our children develop their self-regulation skills and enjoy games that stimulate their creativity in a healthier way," he concludes.