Researchers studied 64 premature infants (born before 32 weeks gestation) at 12 months of age, adjusted for their early birth. About 39% of the babies were watching screens directly, averaging roughly 4 hours per week, while 72% of parents had screens on in the room. The study, published in Frontiers in Developmental Psychology, tracked how early screen exposure related to language, cognitive, and social development.
Parents of premature babies face particular pressure: these infants are already playing developmental catch-up from their early arrival, making every month of early life feel crucial.
Direct watching linked to language and learning gaps
Babies who spent more time actively watching screens showed lower language and cognitive abilities compared to peers with less direct exposure. The relationship was dose-dependent—the more screen time, the bigger the gap. Importantly, this wasn't about screens being catastrophic; rather, direct, sustained viewing was associated with measurable delays in these specific areas of development.
Hands-on exploration suffered, but social skills stayed intact
Screen-watching babies also engaged in less tactile exploration—touching and handling objects less frequently. This matters because physical exploration is how young children build brain connections and learn about their world. However, screen exposure didn't affect babies' social skills or their ability to share attention with caregivers, suggesting different areas of development are affected differently.
Background screens pose less risk than direct watching
The study found fewer developmental associations when screens were simply on in the room versus babies actively watching content. For Singapore families managing work-from-home routines or household tasks, this distinction is important: passive background use appears less harmful than direct, sustained viewing. The research controlled for socio-economic status, meaning findings apply across different income levels in our community.
How to approach screens with your premature infant
- Prioritise hands-on exploration: offer age-appropriate toys and safe objects to touch, as tactile play directly supports brain development more than passive watching.
- Be intentional about direct viewing: save screen content for moments with genuine learning value rather than using it as background occupation.
- Accept background screens without guilt: if screens are on while you manage household tasks, the evidence suggests this has fewer measurable effects than direct viewing.