Screen Time & Speech Development: What You Need to Know
Let’s talk about screen time—a topic that seems to come up everywhere these days. Screens are all around us, right? They keep our kids entertained, let us sneak in a few quiet moments, and sometimes they’re just a handy tool in our busy lives. But, like a lot of parents, they wonder about the effect screen time can have on speech and language development.
As a speech therapist (and a mom myself), I totally get it. We all want to make sure our kids are getting what they need to thrive. So here’s a straightforward look at how screen time might impact language skills and some simple ways to create a balanced approach at home.
Why Does Screen Time Matter for Little Ones?
Babies and young kids learn best from real-world interactions. When they’re looking at our faces, hearing our voices, and getting responses, they’re soaking up language skills. Screens, on the other hand, are a different kind of experience—no matter how engaging the app or show might be, there’s no back-and-forth interaction that naturally happens in face-to-face communication.
This doesn’t mean screens are the enemy! But it does remind us that real-life conversations are powerful for kids, especially in those first few years.
The Research in a Nutshell
Here’s a quick rundown on what research tells us:
Babies and Toddlers (Under 2): At this age, kids learn language skills through back-and-forth interactions (like when they babble, and we babble back). Watching screens doesn’t offer that kind of back-and-forth, so it’s best to keep screen time very limited. Again, this is not to say that your screens are the end all be all! Being a parent is hard and some days you need time for yourself which means screen time for your little, and that is ok!
Preschoolers (Ages 2-5): A little screen time can be okay here, especially when it’s high-quality, educational content. But too much can start to crowd out opportunities for social play, which is key for language development.
School-Age Kids: Older kids generally have more language skills in place, but balance is still important. If screen time is replacing time they’d normally spend reading, talking, or playing, it might be worth adjusting.
Tips for Balanced Screen Time
So how do we make screen time work in a way that’s healthy for everyone? Here are some tips that I’ve found helpful for families:
Prioritize Real-Life Interaction: Try to keep screen time as an addition rather than a replacement. For younger kids, simple conversations, storytime, and play are so valuable.
Look for Interactive Content: If you’re going to use screens, find shows or apps that encourage thinking and are not over stimulating.
Bluey (Disney+): An Australian show about a Blue Heeler pup and her family, Bluey is known for its gentle pacing, relatable themes, and focus on creativity, empathy, and family relationships. It's engaging without being overstimulating.
Puffin Rock (Netflix): Narrated by Chris O’Dowd, this show follows the adventures of a puffin named Oona and her friends on a small island. Its gentle visuals and calm narration make it soothing and educational.
Little Bear (Amazon Prime): Based on the books by Else Holmelund Minarik, Little Bear is a sweet show with simple, nature-based stories. The animation is calm and unhurried, making it ideal for younger children.
StoryBots (Netflix): Ask the StoryBots is both educational and engaging without overstimulation. Each episode answers a child’s question (like "Why is the sky blue?") through songs, real-life explanations, and animations.
Tumble Leaf (Amazon Prime): A stop-motion show with a calm, earthy aesthetic, Tumble Leaf follows Fig the fox as he explores science and problem-solving through curiosity and play.
Join Them for Screen Time When You Can: Watching or playing together can be a great way to turn screen time into a bonding activity. Plus, you’re there to ask questions, talk about what they’re seeing, and add that layer of real-life interaction.
Set Boundaries on Passive Watching: For little ones, keep passive screen time to a minimum. FaceTime or video calls with family members, however, can be a fun and interactive way for them to use screens.
Encourage Hands-On, Imaginative Play: Activities like building with blocks, drawing, or pretend play help kids learn communication and problem-solving skills in ways screens just can’t.
Try Screen-Free Times and Spaces: Consider a “no screens at the dinner table” rule or designate certain parts of the day (like right before bed) as screen-free. It can help kids get used to being without screens and make room for quality family time.
The Bottom Line? It’s All About Balance
Screen time doesn’t have to be all or nothing. A little here and there, especially when you’re thoughtful about the content and balance it with other activities, can be just fine. The most important thing is making sure kids still get plenty of those real-life, face-to-face moments that build strong language and social skills.
If you’re ever curious or have questions about how your child’s speech and language skills are developing, reach out! Supporting kids’ communication skills is my passion, and I’m always here to help however I can. Thanks for reading, and here’s to finding balance that works for you and your family!
