Do Television, Phones, and Tablets Support My Child’s Speech Development?

The answer is both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’.

First, why ‘No’?

For children who haven’t yet developed language skills or learned how to communicate through gestures or body language, too much screen time can negatively affect their development. Engaging with people is crucial for language acquisition; children need to listen, understand, and use language appropriately.

However, if your child already has some language skills and is imitating others, you need to be cautious about what they are watching. Unregulated content on platforms like YouTube can expose children to harmful or irrelevant material, which can hinder their language development.

Why ‘Yes’?

If your child has met certain developmental milestones, such as being able to imitate others and communicate, carefully selected and age-appropriate content can support their language development. It’s important to monitor the quality of the content and the amount of time they spend in front of a screen.

Remember, the first two years (and some experts say three) should involve zero screen time. The brain’s neural connections are forming rapidly in the early years, and human interaction is key to healthy brain development. Children who spend more time interacting with people and less time on screens develop language and communication skills more effectively.

The bottom line is that, while screens are a part of our lives, parents should take great care in curating the content their children consume. Quality over quantity should be the guiding principle. Take time to watch content with your child, discuss it, and use it as a springboard for further interaction and learning.

Here are a few quality shows that I recommend:
 – Kid e Cats
 – Go Go Cory Carson
 – Bluey
 – Story Book Time: Read Along
 – Blue’s Clues & You
 – Word Party
 – Miss Rachel
 – Ada Twist, Scientist
 – Justin Time
 – Treehouse Detectives

In summary, technology can play a positive role in your child’s development, but only when used appropriately and in moderation.