Two experts. One clear message. Dr Mark Williams and Dr Michael Nagel share the latest findings on screens and the young brain.

By Stephanie Lord-Darby 

There’s a growing buzz in the media about the importance of putting down our screens. If your family already values quality time over screen time, you might find yourselves making an effort to step away from devices and embrace what some call a “90s version” of life: family dinners at the table, riding bikes together, or a friendly game of Uno.

In a recent article, we explored how just 15 minutes of engaged play can boost a child’s brain growth by up to 20%. The flip side is more concerning. Screen time—especially gaming, scrolling YouTube, or passive viewing—is now linked to measurable decreases in healthy brain development.

The growing concern: digital dementia

Doctors are increasingly warning about a new phenomenon: digital dementia in teenagers. Neuroscientist Dr Mark Williams, speaking on 60 Minutes Australia, put it bluntly:

“When you’re on a device, you are giving up most of your abilities to the device. You’re using it instead of using your own brain.”

His research into the developing brain has revealed even more alarming findings for young children. Dr Williams explains brain scans show clear physical changes linked to early and frequent screen use:

“The more time a 2–5 year old is on a device, the more abnormal those white matter tracks are developing in their brains.”

White matter is essential for communication between different regions of the brain. When it develops abnormally, it can affect attention, memory, and self-regulation—skills that are still being built in the early years.

Dr Michael Nagel’s perspective: ASD-like symptoms

In a recent discussion with GymbaROO-KindyROO, Dr Michael Nagel, a neuropsychologist and professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast, shared insights from his research on screens and children under five.

In his publication Becoming Autistic, Dr Nagel notes that “consequences of screen time can have on the developing brain, and in extreme cases children begin to express psychological and behavioural changes that can resemble autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptoms.”

To be clear: Dr Nagel and his team are not saying screens cause autism. Like Dr Williams, he’s urging parents to pay attention to the scientifically proven, drastic impacts that excessive screen time can have on development.

What’s happening in Australia?

Encouragingly, the Australian government has made bold moves on screens. For teenagers, social media is now restricted (at least in intention) for anyone under 16. The Victorian Department of Education limits screen time for primary students to 90 minutes per day, aiming to improve behaviour and focus. While opinions on these policies are mixed, and we’re all still learning, the momentum is unmistakable: there’s a growing consensus that too much screen time can be harmful.

As Early Childhood Australia wisely reminds us:

“Adult beliefs about digital technologies are also important because they influence the how, when and where young children use technologies. Access and adult beliefs about technologies mean the experience of growing up in digital contexts is not universally the same – not every child, family and service will use, value or understand digital technologies in the same way.”

That brings us to an important, respectful question…

Respectfully considering the world of differences—varying technology needs and family values around digital devices—what are the most important takeaways for parents raising a child under five right now?

Here are the key messages from current research and media coverage:

• Brain development is not neutral with screens.
  For children under five, every hour of passive screen time (especially fast-paced content, YouTube, and gaming) is linked to less healthy white matter development—the brain’s “communication superhighway.” (Dr Mark Williams, 60 Minutes)
• Digital dementia is a real concern, not just a headline.
  Doctors are seeing attention, memory, and behavioural challenges in teens that mirror mild cognitive impairment. The foundations for this are often laid in the early years.
• Play is not optional—it’s brain-building.
  Just 15 minutes of active, engaged play (no screens) can boost brain growth by up to 20%. No app can replicate this.
• Excessive screen time in young children has been linked to changes in behaviour, attention, and social engagement. Experts note that these shifts may resemble developmental challenges but are most often temporary and improve with reduced screen exposure. 
• Parent beliefs shape outcomes more than any policy.
  As Early Childhood Australia highlights, how you value and guide technology use matters more than any government rule. Consistency, presence, and real-world connection are your strongest tools.

References: 

Dr Mark Williams (60 Minutes Australia interview):
Williams, M. (2023, June 11). 60 Minutes Australia: [Television broadcast]. Nine Network. Sourced from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W0Ej2kKgXsY

Dr Michael Nagel, Becoming Autistic:
Nagel, M. (2022). Becoming autistic: How screen use can influence the developing brain. AmbaPress.

Early Childhood Australia statement:
Early Childhood Australia. (2025). Statement on digital technologies and young children. https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/our-work/digital-policy/

Australian Government Policy Announcement:
Australian Government, Department of Education. (2024). Restrictions on social media use for children under 16.