The impact of screen time on toddler language development: what parents need to know

Study overview and methodology

Researchers from Australia and the United Kingdom conducted a comprehensive study between 2018 and 2021 to examine the impact of screen time on the language development of toddlers. The study followed 220 Australian families with children aged 12 to 36 months. These families were visited every six months, and their children's language environments were analyzed using Language Environment Analysis (LENA) technology. This technology, often referred to as a "talk pedometer," recorded the children's auditory environment for an average of 16 hours each day, capturing data on screen time, child vocalizations, interactions between the child and parent, and the number of adult words spoken around the child.

Key findings: the impact of screen time on language development

The study found that the effects of screen time were most pronounced at 36 months of age. At this stage, even a minute of additional screen time beyond the World Health Organization's recommended limit of one hour per day was associated with a significant reduction in language development indicators. Specifically, the data revealed that each additional minute of screen time resulted in 6.6 fewer adult words spoken around the child, 4.9 fewer child vocalizations, and 1.1 fewer back-and-forth interactions between parent and child.

These findings underscore the importance of face-to-face interaction for language acquisition. Children must learn an entire language within the first few years of life—a task that requires a language-rich environment. Engaging in conversation with adults provides children with the vocabulary and linguistic structures they need to develop fluent language skills. In contrast, screen time, while often engaging for toddlers, lacks the interactive, responsive nature of human conversation, which is essential for effective language learning.

The broader implications of a language-rich environment

A language-rich environment is not only crucial for developing verbal communication skills but also for social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children who are frequently exposed to adult speech and interactions are more likely to develop higher IQs, better social skills, and stronger emotional regulation. Moreover, the learning that occurs during face-to-face interactions is not limited to words alone. Children also absorb non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions, which play a vital role in human communication.

The phenomenon known as "technoference," where technology disrupts parent-child interactions, poses a significant threat to these developmental processes. Although electronic devices can capture a child’s attention effectively, they cannot replace the quality of learning that occurs through direct human interaction. This gap in quality is particularly concerning given the critical period of language acquisition that occurs in early childhood.

Guidelines and recommendations for parents

Given the potential negative impact of excessive screen time, pediatric experts have issued guidelines to help parents manage their children's exposure to screens. The Canadian Paediatric Society, for instance, recommends that children under the age of two should have no screen time at all, except for video calls with family members. For children between two and five years old, screen time should be limited to less than one hour per day.

Beyond limiting screen time, parents are encouraged to actively engage with their children during any screen-based activities. When a device is used for educational purposes, it is beneficial for parents to participate in co-operative viewing, which involves watching together and discussing the content. This shared experience can help mitigate some of the negative effects of screen time by maintaining the interactive element that is so crucial for language development.

The study’s findings serve as a compelling reminder of the importance of real human interaction in the early years of a child's life. While handheld devices have become a convenient tool for parents and an irresistible attraction for toddlers, they should not replace the valuable face-to-face interactions that are essential for language development. As the use of portable devices continues to grow, it is vital for parents to carefully manage their children’s screen time, ensuring that it is balanced with ample opportunities for direct communication and learning through human connection.

source: CBC