A 2026 collaborative study by researchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has highlighted a growin
A 2026 study by UPM and UiTM researchers reveals that 26.7% of Malaysian toddlers exposed to excessive screen time exhibit significant developmental concerns, particularly in communication and social interaction. The research highlights that gadgets are often used as "digital pacifiers," depriving children of the crucial back-and-forth interactions with caregivers needed for brain development. To mitigate these risks, the study advocates for adhering to international guidelines that limit screen time and emphasizes the importance of active parental mediation. Experts also suggest integrating digital habit assessments into early childhood health screenings to identify and support at-risk children early.












