Screens are everywhere, from TVs and tablets to smartphones and smart toys. For many families, they’re part of daily life. But as screen time increases, so do concerns about how it might affect children’s speech and language development. So what does the research actually say?
Let’s take a closer look at what we know and how you as parents can use this information to support healthy communication skills.
The Link Between Screen Time and Speech Development
Research over the past decade has shown a clear connection between excessive screen time and delays in early language development.
A landmark study published in JAMA Pediatrics (2019) found that toddlers who spent more than two hours a day on screens were more likely to experience speech delays. Similarly, a Canadian Paediatric Society study (2017) found that for every 30-minute increase in handheld screen use, children were 49% more likely to have expressive language delays.
Why? The reason comes down to interaction. Children learn to talk through back-and-forth communication: listening, responding, and engaging with people. When screens replace conversation, those critical opportunities for language learning can be lost.
Quality Matters More Than Quantity
Not all screen time is bad. The type of content and the way it’s used make a big difference.
Interactive, educational programs (especially when co-viewed with a parent) can actually help build language and vocabulary. For example, talking with your child about what’s happening on the screen (“What colour is the car?” or “What do you think will happen next?”) turns passive watching into active learning.
This concept is known as “joint media engagement,” and it’s strongly supported by speech and language research.
The Critical Early Years
Between birth and age three, children’s brains are developing at an incredible rate. This is the time when they learn how sounds, words, and sentences work together.
If screen time replaces conversations, play, and shared reading, it can impact:
- Speech sound development (how children pronounce words)
- Vocabulary growth (the number and variety of words they know)
- Social communication (eye contact, turn-taking, understanding emotions)
Due to this, it is recommended that there is:
- No screen time under 18 months
- 1 hour or less of high-quality screen content per day for children aged 2–5, co-viewed with an adult
Practical Tips for Parents
If you’re concerned about balancing screen use and speech development, here are some small changes that make a big difference:
- Talk about what you’re watching: narrate what’s happening on screen to encourage vocabulary building.
- Prioritise interaction over instruction: focus on two-way communication, not just listening or watching.
- Use “tech-free” times: mealtimes, car rides, and before bed are great opportunities for conversation.
- Choose educational, age-appropriate content: look for slow-paced, language-rich programs like Sesame Street or Bluey.
- Model healthy screen habits: children learn from what they see. If you’re engaged in conversation and not focused on your screen constantly, they will be too.
When to Seek Support
If your child isn’t meeting speech or language milestones, or you’re unsure whether screen time might be affecting their communication skills, it’s a good idea to check in with a speech pathologist.
A speech pathologist can assess your child’s speech and language skills, provide strategies for screen use, and help build strong communication foundations through play and everyday interaction.
The Takeaway
Screens aren’t going away, but with mindful use, they don’t have to harm speech and language development. The key is balance: less passive watching, more talking, and plenty of real-world connection.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech or screen use, then I can help. Get in touch to book a consultation or to learn more about supporting your child’s communication journey.