Zivan, M., Bar, S., Jing, X., Hutton, J., Farah, R., & Horowitz-Kraus, T. (2019). Screen-exposure and altered brain activation related to attention in preschool children: An EEG study. Trends in neuroscience and education, 17, 100117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tine.2019.100117
Highlights
- • Greater visual attention abilities after the storytelling intervention, but not after screen exposure.
- • Screen exposure was related to EEG patterns previously related to altered attention abilities.
- • Attention difficulties scores (parental report) were related to EEG patterns previously related to altered attention abilities.
Abstract
Exposure to screens has been shown to reduce attention span in children. Increased slow-wave (theta band) and decreased fast-wave (beta and gamma bands) generated from EEG, as well as increased theta/beta ratio, have been observed in children with Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD). This study examined the relationship between 6-weeks screen exposure and attention abilities in typically developing preschoolers using EEG during rest. Theta and beta bands were compared, and visual attention and parental reports for attention abilities were controlled. Results suggested that the active control group showed improved visual-attention abilities following the exposure to stories, whereas the screen group did not show improved visual attention. EEG results suggested a higher connectivity in theta vs. beta bands in the screen group, but not in the control group. Results support the negative relationship between screen exposure and attention-related patterns generated from EEG in typically developing preschool children.
