01/17/2025
If you have children take a few minutes to watch this video discussing the research on how screen time is affecting children’s brains. At the Cincinnati Children’s hospital research is being done to show the impact of screen time on a child’s developing brain. Research has found that parts of the brain related to reading, language and decision making are weaker in children who have more screen time.
From a speech-language pathologist (SLP) perspective, the impact of screen time on children’s brains is particularly relevant because it intersects with communication, language development, and social skills. Here are the key ways screen time can influence these areas:
1. Language Development
Delayed Language Acquisition: Excessive screen use, especially in children under 2 years, can reduce interactions with caregivers. Since early language development is rooted in back-and-forth exchanges, passive screen time (like watching TV) often limits these interactions.
Reduced Vocabulary: Children exposed to screens instead of conversational interactions may have smaller vocabularies. Human interaction provides context and feedback, which screens often cannot replicate.
Pragmatic language skills (understanding social rules of communication, like turn-taking or eye contact) may not develop effectively through screen use, especially if the content lacks real-life social scenarios.
2. Social Communication Skills
Decreased Face-to-Face Interaction: Over-reliance on screens can limit opportunities for children to practice social communication, such as reading facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language.
Impact on Joint Attention: Joint attention—the ability to share focus on an object or activity with another person—is a critical precursor to language. Screen activities rarely foster this, unlike shared play or book reading with a caregiver.
3. Executive Function and Attention
Impacts on Focus: High screen exposure may overstimulate the brain, making it harder for children to focus on less stimulating activities like conversations or structured play.
Impulse Control: Fast-paced, overstimulating content can reduce a child’s ability to self-regulate, impacting their ability to pause and respond appropriately in social interactions.
4. Reduced Play Opportunities
Importance of Play for Speech Development: Play is critical for symbolic thinking and language development (e.g., using a block to represent a car). Screen time often replaces unstructured play, limiting opportunities to develop these skills.
Impact on Pretend Play: Children who spend more time on screens may engage less in pretend play, which is vital for building narrative skills and complex language structures.
While excessive screen use is problematic, screens can support language development when used intentionally:
Interactive Content: High-quality apps or programs that encourage interaction (e.g., asking questions, repeating words) can foster language skills.
Video Modeling: For children with language delays or social communication challenges (e.g., autism), video modeling can help teach specific skills.
Parent-Child Interaction: Watching and discussing screen content together can promote vocabulary and comprehension.
SLP Recommendations
1. Encourage Verbal Interaction: Use screens as a tool for shared experiences, talking about what’s on the screen to build language and comprehension.
2. Prioritize Play and Conversation: Focus on real-life activities like pretend play, storytelling, and book reading to support language skills.
3. Limit Passive Use: Avoid letting children watch screens alone for extended periods, especially content without educational value.
4. Model Language: Caregivers should narrate their actions and emotions during screen-free activities to encourage natural language development.
Researchers in Ohio led a study looking at hundreds of children’s brains since birth to examine the impact of screen time. NBC’s Vicky Nguyen shares an insid...
