Most parents know our kids are spending too much time on their devices.  Here’s some information for you to digest. Screen time includes the television, iPads, tablets, computers, smartphones, and video games.  It does not matter if the screen time is used for entertainment or education. Over the years there has been an increasing concern on how screen time affects children’s social and cognitive skills especially in speech and language development. A study from the Hospital for Sick Children in Canada followed 900 children between the ages of 6 months and two years. They found that the toddlers who were exposed to more handheld screen time were more likely to develop expressive language delays. In those children that were exposed to 30 minutes of screen time, there was a 49% increased risk of delayed expressive language skills. Another study, that surveyed over 1000 parents of children under the age of two, found that toddlers who watch more videos said fewer words. For each additional 30-minute increase in handheld screen time, 8 to 16 month old infants watched in a day, they said an average of six to eight fewer words! Children learn to talk and communicate through the interaction of other people, and during these early years is when the brain is the most receptive to learning new language. Another study, by Chonchaiya and Pruksananonda found that children who began watching television before 12 months and who watch more than 2 hours per day were 6 times more likely to have language delays. This could mean the child could be a late talker and/or could have problems later with language in school. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that: Infants and toddlers (under 2 years) should have no screen time and children 2-5 years should be limited to less than one hour per day.

What can we do for our children instead of screen time? There are many alternatives that can help your child’s development and to increase their speech and language skills.

• Talk with your child. If the child is only able to provide one word responses, try to ask more specific questions (like, what did you have for snack?”) instead of open ended questions (like, “how was your day?”)
• Sing songs
• Read books/go to the library
• Play with your child’s favorite toy
• Arts and Crafts
• Play outside and explore nature
• Go for a walk
• Go for a car ride and talk about what you see
• Play board games
• Visit friends or visit grandparents

Parents don’t need to completely stay away from screen time for children over the age of 2. There are a lot of age appropriate apps for all ages. However, for children who haven’t developed language, screen time can be too overwhelming for their brain. Children need to personally interact with others in play and receive positive reinforcement. During this time of social distancing and decreased interaction with others, it’s great if you and your child can use FaceTime or Skype to interact with family members so they can see their expression and interact with them. This is a positive experience for all! For more information or if you would like to bring your child in for a free 15 minute screening with a therapist, just give us a call.

FYZICAL Pediatric & Neurological Clinic
4614 S. 132^nd St
Omaha NE 68137
402-330-3211 Ext. 172

John Keim, Clinic Director
Speech Language Pathologist