Recent research highlights a concerning link between screen time and speech delays in toddlers. Many parents have likely resorted to using devices like phones or tablets to entertain their young children, whether it’s for a quick distraction or to carry out daily tasks without interruptions. However, a new study suggests that even limited screen exposure may affect a child’s speech development more than previously understood.
Presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, the study led by Dr. Sarah Thompson, a pediatrician at a prominent children’s hospital, explored the impact of media consumption on children aged six months to two years. Parents of 900 18-month-olds reported how many minutes their children spent using screens daily. The researchers then assessed the children’s language skills, focusing on their vocabulary and ability to use sounds or words to communicate.
The findings revealed that each additional 30 minutes of screen time per day was associated with a 49% increased risk of “expressive speech delay,” meaning children struggle to use sounds and words effectively. This study reinforces the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which many parents find challenging to implement.
Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics
For instance, the AAP recommends that for children under 18 months, screen media should be avoided except for video chatting. For those aged 18 to 24 months, if parents choose to introduce digital media, it should consist of high-quality content, viewed together to enhance understanding. For kids aged 2 to 5 years, screen time should be limited to one hour of quality programming per day, with parents co-viewing to help contextualize the content.
While parents often see screen time as a necessary break, watching media together can be impractical when there are chores to complete or a longing for a moment of peace. After all, not every parent can teach their child how to rescue a kitten from a tree—only Fireman Sam can do that, right? If it takes little ones longer to articulate “juice,” perhaps that’s a trade-off worth making.
Researchers agree that further studies are needed to fully grasp the implications of screen time on children under the age of two. Dr. Thompson noted, “To truly shape guidelines for parents and healthcare providers, we need more conclusive research.” Until then, let’s keep the Fireman Sam episodes rolling; the kittens of the world will be grateful.
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In summary, recent findings suggest a significant correlation between screen time and speech development delays in toddlers, emphasizing the need for parents to be mindful of media consumption in young children. While guidelines exist, many parents struggle to adhere to them, raising questions about the balance between screen time and developmental health.