As children spend more time on screens than ever before, a new concern known as Still Face Syndrome has come to the forefront. This term, inspired by a classic psychological experiment, is now used to describe children who exhibit fewer facial expressions and emotional responses—a phenomenon some experts link to excessive screen time. Could this increasing dependence on digital devices be impacting children’s social and emotional development?
Dr. Puneet Wadhwa, a pediatrician at Prime Medical Hospital, defines Still Face Syndrome as a condition where children display “reduced engagement and responsiveness to real-life social cues, likely due to excessive time spent in front of screens.” The term is derived from the Still Face Experiment of the 1970s, in which infants showed distress when their caregivers suddenly became expressionless during interactions. In today’s context, some experts suggest that a similar effect might occur in children who are overexposed to digital devices, leading to fewer face-to-face interactions with caregivers.
Dr. Wadhwa observes, “Children’s brains develop in response to their environment. Without sufficient real-world interaction, their ability to recognize emotions, maintain eye contact, or engage in social behavior may be compromised.” Dr. Ahmed Ebied, a neurologist at Medcare Hospital, believes that the effects of excessive screen exposure on young brains are concerning. “Children who spend too much time on screens, particularly during critical developmental stages, may experience delays in social and emotional skills. This includes diminished empathy, difficulty in recognizing emotions, and even behavioral issues.” According to Ebied, screens can impair the brain regions responsible for attention and emotional regulation. “What we’re witnessing in some children mirrors what was observed in the original Still Face Experiment: withdrawal, frustration, and a lack of emotional engagement.”
Parents should be vigilant for signs of Still Face Syndrome. Dr. Wadhwa recommends looking for symptoms such as a child avoiding eye contact, showing less interest in social interactions, and becoming overly reliant on screens for stimulation. “These children may appear indifferent to their surroundings or struggle to communicate their emotions,” notes Dr. Wadhwa. While there is growing concern, Dr. Ebied reassures that these behaviors may not be permanent. “The positive news is that many children who exhibit signs of Still Face Syndrome show significant improvement when their screen time is reduced and they are encouraged to engage in real-life social interactions.”
So, how much screen time is too much? Dr. Wadhwa advises that children under two years old should have no screen time at all. “This is a crucial period for brain development, and the emphasis should be on physical play and real-world interactions.” For older children, limiting screen time to two hours a day is essential to ensure their social and emotional development remains on track. Dr. Ebied suggests that parents establish clear boundaries around screen time and prioritize activities that foster interaction, such as family meals, outdoor play, and face-to-face conversations. “Children learn best when they are interacting with their environment and the people around them. Screens, while occasionally educational, cannot substitute the richness of these interactions.”
While some experts express concern about the long-term effects of excessive screen time, others are more cautious about drawing definitive conclusions. “The research is still evolving,” says Dr. Ebied. “We know that excessive screen exposure affects children, but the extent of its impact on their long-term development requires further investigation.” For now, both Dr. Wadhwa and Dr. Ebied concur on one point: promoting balanced screen use and ensuring children have ample opportunities for real-world interactions is vital to their overall well-being. “Ultimately,” Dr. Wadhwa concludes, “it’s about finding a balance and ensuring that children’s brains develop in an environment that fosters emotional and social engagement.”
