How Screen Time Affects Your Child’s Speech and Language Development

Children using screentime use less communication.

How Screen Time Affects Your Child’s Speech and Language Development

The ubiquity of smartphones, tablets and televisions means children are exposed to screens from an early age. Parents often wonder whether letting their child watch videos or play games could impact their speech and language development. Research from the Kids Research Institute tracked 220 Australian families and found that each minute of screen time was associated with fewer adult words spoken, fewer child vocalisations and fewer back‑and‑forth conversations. Even when families adhered to the World Health Organization guideline of only one hour of screen time, children missed out on hundreds of words of interaction each day.

Why do screens have this effect?

When a child is engaged with a device, they become passive recipients of information rather than active participants in conversation. Passive listening does not provide the same opportunities to practise speech sounds, build vocabulary or learn the back‑and‑forth rhythm of dialogue. In contrast, interactive exchanges with caregivers stimulate neural pathways involved in language. Conversations expose children to a richer variety of words and allow them to learn how to take turns, ask questions and clarify meanings.

Reducing screen time can feel daunting, especially for busy families.

It helps to replace digital entertainment with activities that encourage talking. For example, reading aloud with your child encourages them to ask questions and make predictions about the story. Singing nursery rhymes strengthens speech rhythm and introduces rhyme and alliteration. Outdoor play provides endless opportunities to describe actions, name objects and practise new words. If your child does watch screens, co‑view with them; talk about what is happening, describe the characters’ emotions and link the content to real life. Co‑viewing makes the experience interactive and mitigates some of the negative effects.

Balance is the key.

Digital devices are part of modern life, and some high‑quality educational programs can support learning when used appropriately. For example, video calls with extended family members can help children practise conversational skills and maintain relationships. Interactive apps that respond to the child’s speech can reinforce articulation practice. However, such activities should complement, not replace, real‑life interaction.

Parents should observe how their child communicates before and after screen use. If a child seems less talkative or struggles to pay attention following long periods of screen time, consider shortening sessions and inviting your child to join in a conversation or play. Maintaining routines without devices at mealtimes and before bedtime gives families regular moments for quality conversation.

If you are concerned about your child’s language development, consult a speech‑language pathologist. Professionals can assess whether screen habits are affecting progress and provide strategies for balancing digital media with language‑rich experiences. Remember that children learn speech and language best through responsive interaction, play and real‑world experiences.