Balancing Digital Use with Sensory-Motor Activities

In today’s digital world, screen time has become an integral part of children’s daily lives.

From educational apps to entertainment and social interactions, screens offer numerous benefits.

However, excessive screen time has raised concerns regarding children’s physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional development.

Pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in helping families establish healthy screen time habits while promoting essential sensory-motor activities for overall development.

The Impact of Screen Time on Child Development

While technology has its place in education and entertainment, research indicates that excessive screen use can negatively impact sensory processing, motor skills, attention, sleep, and emotional regulation.

1. Sensory Processing and Regulation

Children thrive on multisensory experiences that help develop their nervous systems.

Screens provide primarily visual and auditory stimulation, often lacking tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular input.

This imbalance can contribute to sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant behaviors, making it harder for children to self-regulate in non-digital environments.

2. Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Engagement in screen-based activities typically involves minimal physical movement, leading to a sedentary lifestyle.

Children spending excessive time on screens may experience delays in:

• Fine motor skills (e.g., handwriting, buttoning, cutting), as screens don’t require intricate hand movements like traditional play does.
• Gross motor skills (e.g., coordination, balance, strength), since active movement and outdoor play are often reduced.

3. Attention and Executive Functioning

Fast-paced digital media can overstimulate a child’s brain, making it difficult to transition to lower-stimulation activities like reading or problem-solving.

Studies suggest that prolonged screen exposure may contribute to decreased attention spans and difficulty with impulse control, particularly in children with ADHD or sensory processing challenges.

4. Sleep Disruptions

Blue light from screens interferes with melatonin production, which regulates sleep cycles.

Poor sleep quality can negatively affect a child’s ability to focus, regulate emotions, and engage in learning activities.

5. Emotional and Social Development

While screens offer virtual social interactions, they do not replace face-to-face communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills that develop through real-world play and interactions.

Excessive screen use can sometimes lead to social withdrawal, anxiety, and difficulty interpreting non-verbal cues in children.

Balancing Screen Time

Let’s face it, balancing screen time for your child can be hard. Here’s how to help children engage in essential sensory-motor experiences:

1. Keep in Mind These Guidelines

• Follow AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) Recommendations: Limit screen time for children under 2 years old and promote no more than 1 hour per day for children aged 2-5, with balanced physical and sensory activities.
• Create Screen-Free Zones: Encourage tech-free mealtimes, family interactions, and a screen-free bedroom environment to promote better sleep.
• Set Time Limits and Boundaries: Use timers, parental controls, and scheduled screen breaks to maintain a healthy balance.

2. Encourage Sensory-Motor Play as an Alternative to Screens

Children need active, hands-on experiences to develop motor coordination, spatial awareness, and self-regulation.

Here are some suggestions for sensory-motor play ideas:

Sensory-Based Alternatives

• Tactile Play: Play with sand, water, slime, or textured materials to promote sensory exploration.
• Proprioceptive Input (Heavy Work Activities): Pushing, pulling, climbing, and carrying activities help regulate the nervous system.
• Vestibular Activities: Swinging, jumping, spinning, and balancing exercises to develop coordination and spatial awareness.

Fine Motor and Hand Strengthening Activities

• Building with Blocks or LEGOs: Improves hand dexterity and problem-solving.
• Arts and Crafts: Cutting, coloring, painting, and manipulating small objects enhance fine motor skills.
• Handwriting and Pre-Writing Exercises: Using chalk, playdough, or finger painting to encourage proper grip development.

Gross Motor and Outdoor Play

• Bike Riding and Climbing: Develops coordination, strength, and endurance.
• Jump Rope and Hopscotch: Promotes balance and cardiovascular health.
• Obstacle Courses and Sensory Paths: Combines motor planning, proprioception, and problem-solving.

3. Integrating Movement Breaks During Screen Time

Instead of eliminating screens entirely, consider incorporating movement breaks to balance sedentary screen use:

• The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, looking at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
• Brain Breaks: Quick exercises like jumping jacks, stretching, or wall push-ups between screen activities.
• Active Screen Use: Encouraging motion-based video games, interactive learning, or standing while using a device.

4. Using Technology in an OT-Friendly Way

Instead of viewing screens as harmful, use screens strategically:

• Educational Apps with Hands-On Components: Apps that encourage writing, drawing, or movement-based learning.
• Timers and Visual Schedules: Tools to help children transition between activities.
• Blue Light Blockers and Night Mode Settings: Reducing the impact of screens on sleep.

Conclusion: Finding the Balance

Screen time isn’t inherently bad—it’s about finding the right balance between digital use and sensory-motor experiences.

We can guide children toward healthy screen habits while ensuring they develop essential motor, sensory, and social-emotional skills at the same time.

By integrating movement breaks, structured routines, and hands-on play, we can help children thrive in both digital and real-world environments.

The key is mindful moderation—using screens as tools while prioritizing active, sensory-rich play for holistic development.

Call to Action

Let’s Create Balance Together

If you’ve noticed your child struggling with attention, regulation, or movement after screen time, you’re not alone — and there are ways to help.

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I specialize in supporting families in creating practical, sensory-rich routines that balance technology with healthy movement and play.

Contact me today to learn how we can work together to build a screen-smart, sensory-strong foundation for your child’s growth and wellbeing.