Sensory Play vs Screen Time: What Parents Need to Know
We’ve all been there, your little one is having a melt down, dinner is burning, and handing over the tablet feels like the only way to survive the next ten minutes. For many families today, screens have become their go-to calming tool. And while there is a place for them, there’s also another option that supports brain development in a more powerful way. That is Sensory Play.
We are here to break down the differences between Sensory Play vs Screen Time. What the research says and how you can balance the two at home.
What is Sensory Play?
Sensory play includes the activities that will stimulate a child’s sense; touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, balance and movement.
Think:
Water Play
Playdough
Nature Play
Music and Movement
Mess Trays
Textured Bins
These hands-on experiences help children process the world around them and strengthen the pathways that lay the foundation for learning.
What is Screen Time?
Screen time includes TV, tablets, phones, computers, and interactive apps.
Screen time can be:
Passive (watching a show)
Interactive (pressing buttons, learning apps)
Co-viewed (a parent watches and engages with the child)
Not all screen time is equal but it does affect the brain differently from real-world play.
Sensory Play vs Screen Time: Side-by-Side Comparison:
1. Cognitive Development
Sensory Play:
Encourages problem-solving, logical thinking, experimentation, and early STEM skills. By touching, pouring, squeezing, and exploring, children build real neural connections.
Screen Time:
Can introduce concepts (like colours or numbers), but doesn't replace real-world learning. Screens show information, therefore the brain doesn’t actively create it the same way.
2. Language Development
Sensory Play:
Boosts expressive language, especially when paired with narration from caregivers:
“Can you feel how sticky this is?”, “Wow, that sand is soft!”
Screen Time:
Children will learn far less language from screens unless a parent is watching with them and talking about what they are looking at.
3. Emotional & Social Development
Sensory Play:
Helps children regulate emotions, work through stress, build patience, and share resources with others. Sensory experiences often have a calming effect.
Screen Time:
May be temporarily soothing but can lead to overstimulation, mood swings, and frustration when devices are removed.
4. Attention Span
Sensory Play:
Promotes deep focus and encourages independent play. These skills will carry into your child’s school readiness.
Screen Time:
Fast-paced screens can reduce attention span over time and make slower, real-life activities feel “boring.”
5. Creativity
Sensory Play:
There is no limit. Kids can build, squish, design, sort, mix, move, splash, and imagine endlessly.
Screen Time:
Creativity is constrained because the content is pre-designed by someone else.
So…Is Screen Time Bad?
Not at all, it’s just all about having a balance.
Screentime can be helpful when:
It’s educational
A parent is involved
It’s used in moderation
It’s part of a predictable routine
It doesn’t replace real play
Screen Shouldn’t be the primary source of entertainment or learning for your child.
How Much Screen Time is Okay?
General early childhood guidance recommends:
Under 18 months: Avoid screens (except video calls)
18 months - 2 years: Very limited, with a parent co-viewing
Ages 2 - 5: Up to 1 hour per day of high-quality content
The key is quality over quantity.
How to Reduce Screen Time (Without a Fight)
Offer sensory activities during “screen time moments.”
If your child usually watches TV after school, replace a few of those days with:
A water tray
Shaving cream play
A rice scooping bin
Finger painting
Stickers and playdough combo
Create a “Yes Space”
A small area where kids can explore safely and independently. It is also great for when you, as a parent, need 10 minutes to breathe.
Give Choices
“Do you want the water tray or the sand tray today?”
Choices equals instant cooperation.
Rotate Sensory materials
Switch sensory materials around. This doesn’t mean buying new toys.
Save screens for when they are most useful
For Example; Travelling, waiting rooms or when you truly need to have a breather.
The Big Takeaway
Screens can be part of a child’s life but sensory play is what drives early development. It builds brains, bodies, confidence, creativity, and emotional strength in ways a screens never can.
And the best part? Sensory play doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. A simple tray of water, measuring cups, or a tub of oats can transform your child's day.
