Recent investigations have shed light on the correlation between screen time and speech delays in young children. Most parents have, at some point, allowed their little ones to engage with devices like smartphones or tablets to watch cartoons or play games. These digital distractions can provide a brief respite for parents juggling multiple tasks or attempting to hold a conversation without being interrupted endlessly. However, determining the threshold of “too much” screen time can be challenging. A new study suggests that even minimal screen exposure may have more detrimental effects than previously understood.
Research Findings
Research presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, led by Dr. Emily Thompson, a pediatrician at a children’s hospital in New York, explored the impact of screen time on children aged six months to two years. The study involved parents of 900 children aged 18 months who reported their daily screen time. The researchers then assessed the children’s language development, focusing on vocabulary and their ability to use sounds or words to communicate effectively.
The findings indicated that for every additional 30 minutes of daily screen exposure, there was a 49% increase in the risk of “expressive speech delay,” which refers to challenges in using sounds and words. These results align with the current guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which advises parents on screen time usage.
AAP Recommendations
For parents interested in the AAP’s recommendations, here are the key points:
- Children under 18 months should avoid screen media, with the exception of video chatting.
- For children aged 18 to 24 months, parents can introduce high-quality programming, ideally watching it alongside their children to help them comprehend the content.
- For kids aged 2 to 5 years, screen time should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality programs, with co-viewing encouraged to facilitate understanding and application to real-world contexts.
The Co-Viewing Dilemma
While some may argue that screen time serves as a necessary break for parents, the notion of co-viewing media raises the question: when do parents find time to tackle chores or enjoy a moment of peace? After all, not every lesson can be imparted by parents—sometimes, it takes a character like Fireman Sam to teach kids essential lessons about safety.
Need for Further Research
Experts, including Dr. Thompson, emphasize the need for further research to fully grasp the implications of device usage among children under two. “To develop comprehensive guidelines for parents and healthcare providers, additional definitive studies are needed,” she remarked in a recent interview.
Resources for Prospective Parents
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Conclusion
In summary, while screen time can offer a necessary distraction for parents, it’s crucial to be aware of its potential effects on children’s speech development. Ongoing research is essential to develop appropriate guidelines for screen usage among young children.
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