Screen time may be making young children more prone to mental health problems.

A new study measured the link between screen time and mental health in 16,000 children in China, across the ages of three to six. 

Neuroscience educator and child development expert Nathan Wallis told Tim Dower that flashing lights from screens affect the part of the brain associated with emotions and empathy.

The World Health Organisation says the appropriate number of minutes per day a child under two can look at a screen is zero. 

Wallis says that has nothing to do with the content, it's completely to do with the flashing lights.

LISTEN ABOVE

Screen time may be making young children more prone to mental health problems. 
A new study measured the link between screen time and mental health in 16,000 children in China, across the ages of three to six.  
Neuroscience educator and child development expert Nathan Wallis told Tim Dower that flashing lights from screens affect the part of the brain associated with emotions and empathy. 
The World Health Organisation says the appropriate number of minutes per day a child under two can look at a screen is zero.  
Wallis says that has nothing to do with the content, it's completely to do with the flashing lights. 
LISTEN ABOVE

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A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.