The impact of screen time on children has been a topic of increasing concern among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals alike. As digital devices become a greater part of our daily lives, understanding the effects between excessive screen time and delays in speech and language development in children is crucial. In this blog post, we are going to discuss how screen time can be a deterrent to a child's ability to acquire and develop speech and language skills.

With the rapid growth of digital devices in conjunction with pandemic-related isolation has led to an unprecedented increase in screen time among children. Tablets, smartphones, and televisions have become present in households around the world, often serving as digital babysitters to keep children entertained. While these devices can be educational and provide children with access to a wealth of information, concerns have been raised about their impact on children's developmental milestones, particularly in the realms of speech and language. Speech and language skills are built through direct interaction with caregivers and others, through activities such as reading, storytelling, singing, and engaging in conversation.

Research has shown that excessive screen time can have a negative impact on a child's speech and language development. While children are “learning” and taking in speech and language when watching shows and cartoons, there is less language being absorbed and more of a visual stimulus. This has shown to provide two major challenges regarding development.

1. One-way communication: When children are watching cartoons, they are taking in information and they may be learning some language receptively. This receptive information is great for understanding of the world BUT the one-way communication style of screen time does not allow for the child to respond and learn to express themselves with language or with functional communication.

2. Poor attention skills: In the age of youtube algorithms and watch time, cartoons are designed to hold your child's attention at all costs. Because of this, cartoons are filmed and edited to have vibrant colors and scenes that are changing quickly. With the constantly changing images, children are frequently re-engaged with the show so that they will not turn away or click to another video. The repercussion of this change is showing, with children who have significantly shorter attention spans and when they do play with real toys, they often hop from one toy to another without completing the activity or accomplishing a goal.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics found that children who spent more time using screens were more likely to exhibit delays in expressive speech—the ability to use sounds and words to communicate. Similarly, other research has highlighted a correlation between increased screen time and poorer language comprehension, reduced vocabulary, and delays in the onset of speech.

The Role of Content and Context

It's important to note that not all screen time is created equal. Educational programs and apps designed with input from child development specialists can support learning, including language acquisition, if used in moderation and ideally with parental interaction. However, passive screen time, especially when it replaces interaction with caregivers or peers, is frequently linked to negative developmental outcomes.

Recommendations for Parents and Caregivers

Given the potential risks associated with excessive screen time, it's essential for parents and caregivers to monitor and manage the use of digital devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding the use of screen media other than video chatting for children younger than 18 months. For children aged 18 to 24 months, if screen time is introduced, it should be high-quality programming, and parents should watch it with their children to help them understand what they're seeing. For children aged 2 to 5 years, screen time should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality programs, again with parents or caregivers co-viewing and engaging with the child.

Furthermore, prioritizing non-screen activities that promote speech and language development is crucial. This includes reading together, singing, playing, and having conversations throughout the day. Such activities provide valuable opportunities for children to practice their speech and language skills in a naturalistic setting.

Conclusion

While digital devices are an integral part of modern life, their use among children, particularly in relation to screen time, warrants careful consideration. The evidence suggests a link between excessive screen time and delays in speech and language development, highlighting the importance of mindful screen use. With that said, we here at Mondy’s Mission want to encourage you as parents to spend some quality time with your child reading or completing another social activity where they can continue to grow and develop their own voice. You can learn more about applying core speech and language skills through our book Mondy’s Mission: Under The Sea by clicking HERE.

- Austin Collignon, M.S. CCC-SLP