Ten years ago, Australian artist Donna Stevens captured the haunting, mesmerizing impact of screens on children in her photo series Idiot Box. Stevens placed children in front of glowing television sets and photographed their entranced, slack-jawed faces as they absorbed the flickering lights and sounds. The results were unsettling—a visual reminder of how screens can captivate young minds.
The images from this project still resonate today, sparking discussions about the role of screens in children’s lives. You can revisit the project and its powerful imagery on her official page Donna Stevens.
Screens and young minds: a complex relationship
As parents, caregivers, and educators, we’ve become increasingly aware of the “idiot box” phenomenon. Studies and observations show that children under the age of three gain little benefit from screens. In fact, excessive exposure can hinder critical brain development during this formative period. However, the reality for most parents is that screens—whether TVs, tablets, or smartphones—can also be a lifesaver. They offer a much-needed pause in a busy day to cook dinner, fold laundry, or simply take a breath.
The entranced expressions seen in Stevens’s work remind us of the delicate balance needed when managing screen time for toddlers and other young children. It’s not about vilifying screens but rather managing their use to avoid the pitfalls of overexposure.
The "zombie effect"
Too much screen time can leave children looking dazed, disconnected, and—as the series title suggests—like little zombies. But it’s important to remember that screens themselves aren’t inherently bad. What matters most is how they’re used and how much they’re used. For instance, interactive and educational content viewed in moderation can have positive effects for older children.
Finding the balance in managing the screen time for toddlers
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under three years old, focusing instead on activities that promote hands-on exploration and interaction with caregivers. But for many families, a “zero screens” policy is impractical. The key lies in mindful use:
Set clear limits: Decide in advance how much time your child spends on screens each day.
Prioritize content: Choose high-quality, age-appropriate programs that align with your values.
Stay engaged: Whenever possible, watch together and use screen time as an opportunity for discussion and learning.
Model balance: Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits when they see adults doing the same.
The bigger picture
Projects like Idiot Box remind us of the importance of stepping back and considering the long-term effects of our parenting choices. The glazed expressions of her young subjects are a call to action—not to banish screens entirely but to ensure they’re not dominating our children’s lives.
After all, no parent wants their child to grow up glued to a screen, missing out on the richness of the world around them. By staying mindful of how we incorporate screens into daily life, we can find a balance that supports both our children’s development and our own well-being.
Our conclusion
Screens are here to stay. They’re a tool—one that can either enhance or detract from our children’s lives, depending on how we use them. The real takeaway from Idiot Box isn’t to shun technology but to ensure it doesn’t turn our children into passive viewers. Let’s give them the tools to engage thoughtfully and creatively with the world, both on and off the screen.
To explore more of Donna Stevens’s thought-provoking photography, visit her official page here. And for parents looking for practical tools to manage screen time and promote healthy habits, check out how the Onoco app can help you stay on track.
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