Maximizing Language Growth in the Digital Age: Screen Time Tips and Strategies

By Erin Riggert, MS, CCC-SLP, Milemarkers

Screen Time and Your Child

In today’s world, where iPads, phones, and TVs are easily accessible, there’s an ongoing conversation about screen time and its impact on speech and language development. In this post, we’ll explore how much screen time is appropriate for different age groups, how to set guidelines for your child, the effects of screen time on speech and language development, and alternative activities to replace screen time.

What is Screen Time?

Before diving into the guidelines, let’s define what is considered screen time. Screen time refers to any time spent watching TV, using a computer, playing video games, or using a smartphone or tablet. This includes watching YouTube, playing “educational” games, and even watching the news. However, activities like FaceTiming family members or participating in virtual learning are different from traditional screen time. These activities involve real-time interaction, language modeling, and visual cues for speech production, making them more beneficial for language development.

Screen Time Limits and Guidelines

Limiting screen time has been linked to healthier lifestyles, improved behavior, and better social skills. While screen time should be limited for everyone, here’s the recommended breakdown for kids under 18:

Birth to 2 years: No screen time
2-5 years: No more than 1 hour per day
School-aged children (5-18 years): 1-2 hours daily

In addition to limiting the total amount of screen time, it’s important to set boundaries on when screens are allowed. For example:

No screens during meals (breakfast, lunch, or dinner)
No screens at least 1 hour before bedtime
Limit or avoid screens in the bedroom

By setting these guidelines, you’ll be able to monitor what your child is watching, encourage conversations about content to support language development, and create healthy boundaries. It’s also a good idea to set these guidelines for the whole family, including yourself, to foster an environment enriched with conversation and play.

How Screen Time Affects Language Development

Research shows that increased screen time is correlated with a higher risk of language delays and disorders. When children engage with screens, they miss out on important language models. For example, the mouths of cartoon characters don’t move in the same way as real humans, which can affect articulation (how sounds are produced). Additionally, language in cartoons and videos is not presented in a conversational format, meaning children don’t get the opportunity for back-and-forth interactions. Without these opportunities, children have fewer chances to practice language and receive feedback. Moreover, the language used in screen time may not be developmentally appropriate, either it’s too simple or too complex for the child to fully grasp.

Alternative Activities to Replace Screen Time

There are many enriching activities you can do with your child that don’t involve screens. Here are a few ideas:

Play Together: Whether it’s with their favorite toy or a board game, playing with your child provides a language-rich environment. Narrate your actions and engage in conversation at their developmental level, helping them learn new words and concepts.
Baking or Cooking: Get your child involved in the kitchen when making a snack or meal. This hands-on activity is a great opportunity to practice following directions, learn about ingredients, and develop life skills, all while using language.
Crafts and Art Projects: Let your creativity flow! Whether it’s drawing silly monsters, making a craft, or using chalk in the driveway, art projects encourage language use. While creating, you can describe what you’re doing and encourage your child to express their ideas.
Build a Fort: Use pillows and blankets to build a cozy fort. Once inside, you can read, color, or even have a pretend tea party. This activity promotes imagination and offers lots of chances for conversation.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find around the house or outside. Describe the items to your child, talking about their colors, shapes, uses, and locations. This activity encourages language development in a fun and engaging way.

By setting screen time limits and replacing passive screen time with interactive activities, you can support your child’s language development and create opportunities for meaningful connection. The key is to find a healthy balance that promotes learning, creativity, and real-world interactions.

Final Thoughts: You can help your child grow linguistically and socially by engaging in activities that promote language use and healthy habits. After all, the best way to learn language is through conversation, interaction, and play.