Excessive screen time in children impacted vocalizations and communication: JAMA

The study used innovative Language Environment Analysis (LENA) technology and meticulously examined the screen time exposure of children and their home language environment comprising an average 16-hour day. The outcomes of this comprehensive analysis underlined the profound impact of screen time on parent-child interactions.

After rigorous statistical analysis, the results unveiled a increase in screen time that was consistently associated with decreased in measures of parent-child talk across various age intervals, with the most significant declines observed at 36 months of age. Also, each additional minute of screen time translated to a reduction in adult words, child vocalizations and conversational turns that highlights the detrimental effects of excessive screen exposure on language development.

These findings emphasize the crucial role of a language-rich home environment in nurturing the linguistic skills of children during their formative years. The concept of technoference rings alarm bells for modern-day households with increasing screen time habits. Educating the families about the potential repercussions of excessive screen time is a compelling imperative that can help empower them with strategies to prioritize meaningful interactions amidst digital distractions.

Reference:

Brushe, M. E., Haag, D. G., Melhuish, E. C., Reilly, S., & Gregory, T. (2024). Screen Time and Parent-Child Talk When Children Are Aged 12 to 36 Months. In JAMA Pediatrics. American Medical Association (AMA). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6790