• ParentData introduces a new series, “Panic Headlines”, to address topics that are too long or in-depth for a Q&A but not significant enough for their own post.
• The first two Panic Headlines are infant screen time and processed foods and cancer.
• Infant screen time is associated with executive functioning at age 9, but this is likely due to family characteristics rather than a causal impact of screens.
• A study on ultra-processed foods suggests a small increase in cancer, particularly ovarian cancer, but the data is flawed due to differences in family background, behaviors, and underlying health conditions.
• Eating processed foods is not recommended, but this study does not provide enough evidence to conclude that family pizza night should be cancelled.
Published February 16, 2023
Visit ParentData to read Emily Oster’s original post Panic Headlines: A New Series