Excessive screen time in children impacted vocalizations and communication: JAMA

A recent study published in the recent edition of Journal of American Medical Association looked into the intricate relationship between screen time and its impact on parent-child communication, highlight on the concerning phenomenon known as technoference.

This study was conducted in Australia investigated the longitudinal association between screen time and three crucial measures of parent-child talk: adult words, child vocalizations and conversational turns. This study spanned from January 2018 to December 2021 and the data was collected from 220 families every six months by offering valuable insights into the critical early years of child development.

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