Digital ‘free-for-all’ not answer for kids
DEAR DOCTOR: My daughter always gives my grandson her cellphone to play with — and he’s only 18 months old. I read that this can cause speech delays. How serious is the risk? Does it stunt children in other ways?
DEAR READER:
The allure of the screen is powerful. We’ve all seen pairs of diners in restaurants, parents at the playground and groups standing together at a party, each absorbed in the solo glow of their smartphone.
A new study suggests this early affinity for digital gadgets may come at a price. Led by Catherine Birken, M.D., a staff pediatrician and scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, the findings suggest a link between the amount of time children under 18 months old spend with a handheld screen and a delay in their use of expressive language.
By using a test that measures language delay, researchers found a link between increased screen time and a lag in the use of expressive language. They looked at whether a child used words or sounds to interact with others, how each child put words together and how many words a child knew and understood.
Every 30-minute
increase in screen time resulted in an additional 50 percent risk of language delay. But there was reassuring news as well. Developing social interaction, body language and gestures didn’t slow down due to screen time.
These results back recommendations made by the American Academy of Pediatrics last year. The academy suggests that, other than the occasional video chat, kids younger than 18 months should be completely unplugged.
Once kids pass the 18-month threshold, a digital free-for-all is not the answer. Instead, gradually introduce them to high-quality programming. Spend time with them as they explore; help them understand what they’re seeing. And teach them there’s a time to put the screens away.
Lead by example. Read a book, play a board game, go for a walk. Put the phone down. If we won’t, why will they?