What is a negative effect of excessive screen time on children's motor development?

Excessive screen time can lead to limited physical activity and exploration of motor skills because children who spend long hours in front of screens are often less likely to engage in active play and physical activities that are crucial for developing their motor skills. Screen time typically involves sedentary behavior, which can result in reduced opportunities for children to practice and refine both gross motor skills, like running and jumping, and fine motor skills, such as gripping and manipulating objects.

When children are immersed in screens, they may miss out on experiences that promote physical coordination, balance, and strength. Real-world exploration provides a rich environment for developing these skills, as children interact with their surroundings, play with others, and engage in diverse physical activities. Thus, the correlation between excessive screen time and limited physical activity is particularly detrimental to motor skill development in children.