Editorial: How Too Much Screen Time is Stealing Childhood

“Brain Rot”: How Too Much Screen Time is Stealing Childhood—and What Greene County Leaders Are Doing About It
Authors: Pam Hamer, MSW, LSW, Early Intervention Program Manager at Greene County Public Health
and Grace Schoessow, MS, OIMHP-III, ECMH-C, Early Childhood Mental Health Director at the Greene County Educational Service Center

Just a few decades ago, childhood meant scraped knees, backyard adventures, and long summer days spent riding bikes with friends. But today, childhood looks different. Instead of climbing trees, kids are glued to screens. Instead of building forts, they’re scrolling TikTok. Instead of having face-to-face conversations, they communicate through emojis and Snapchat streaks.

The consequences are alarming. Teachers report that students struggle to focus in class. Parents see their kids withdrawing, anxious, and irritable without their devices. Studies show excessive screen time can rewire young brains, impairing attention spans, emotional regulation, and social skills. Some experts have even called it “brain rot”—a term gaining traction to describe how endless digital consumption is eroding normal childhood experiences and stunting mental development.

Read the full article: D2C Coalition Article_GDU 2025