As technology continues to become an integral part of our lives, it's not uncommon to see children with screens in front of them, be it a tablet, phone, or computer. While screens can be beneficial in certain circumstances, excess screen time can negatively impact a child's brain development, including their speech development.
Brain Development in Children
The brain is the most important organ for development, particularly during early childhood. The brain grows and develops rapidly during the first few years of a child's life, and this development is essential for later learning and success. Connections between brain cells, or neurons, are formed during this time, and the more these connections are used, the stronger they become. This is why positive experiences during early childhood, such as interaction with parents and caregivers, can help shape a child's brain for success later in life.
Excess Screen Time and Brain Development
Excessive screen time can negatively impact brain development in children. According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, excessive screen time was linked to lower cognitive development scores in children at 3 to 5 years of age. Another study found that children who spent more than two hours per day on screens had lower language and cognitive development scores at 3 years old. Screen time has also been linked to reduced white matter in the brain, which can negatively impact language development. White matter is essential for the communication between different areas of the brain, including those involved in language and speech.
Impact on Speech Development
Language development is a crucial aspect of early childhood development. It lays the foundation for communication, socialization, and academic success. Excessive screen time can negatively impact language development in several ways. First, screen time can reduce the amount of time children spend engaging in meaningful conversations and interactions with parents and caregivers, which can hinder language development. Second, screen time can interfere with the development of social skills, which are essential for language development. Finally, excessive screen time can lead to a decrease in white matter in the brain, as previously mentioned, which can hinder language development.
Limiting Screen Time
Limiting screen time is essential for ensuring healthy brain development in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2 to 5 years old have no more than one hour of screen time per day, and that children aged 6 years old and above have consistent limits on the amount of screen time they have. Parents and caregivers can also promote healthy brain development by engaging in meaningful conversations with their children, reading books together, and providing opportunities for unstructured playtime.
As parents and caregivers, it's important to limit screen time and provide opportunities for meaningful interactions and play. By promoting healthy brain development in children, we can set them up for success in the future.
References:
Madigan, S., Browne, D., Racine, N., Mori, C., & Tough, S. (2019). Association Between Screen Time and Children’s Performance on a Developmental Screening Test. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(3), 244–250.
Hutton, J. S., Dudley, J., Horowitz-Kraus, T., DeWitt, T., & Holland, S. K. (2019). Associations Between Screen-Based Media Use and Brain White Matter Integrity in Preschool-Aged Children. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(1), e193869.
Michelle Mikviman MS CCC-SLP
Comments