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Screen Time & Communication Development: A Guide for Real-Life Parents



Three children, a boy and two girls, looking at a tablet.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist and a parent of three young children (ages 3, 5, and 8), I understand both professionally and personally the effects that screen time can have on speech and language development. In today's digital world, screens are a part of our daily lives, and as parents, we often rely on them to entertain our children while we get work done or tackle household tasks. However, it’s important to establish healthy screen time boundaries and ensure that what our children are watching supports their language development rather than hinders it.


The Impact of Screen Time on Language Development

Research has shown that excessive screen time can negatively impact a child's speech and language skills. Studies indicate that higher screen use is associated with lower vocabulary acquisition, reduced conversational turn-taking, and even delayed speech development in young children (The Informed SLP). One key factor is that screen time often replaces real-life interactions, which are critical for language learning. Children acquire language through engaging with caregivers, hearing live speech, and participating in back-and-forth conversations, something passive screen viewing cannot provide.


Choosing Quality Content Matters

While limiting screen time is important, selecting high-quality content can make a big difference. Not all screen time is created equal—some TV shows and YouTube channels can promote language-rich interactions, problem-solving, and storytelling skills. With this in mind, our team of speech-language pathologists at Serenity Speech & Language compiled a list of recommended TV shows and YouTube channels that support speech and language development. These are programs that our own children enjoy on a regular basis:

YouTube:

  • Ms. Rachel

  • Danny Go!

  • Cosmic Kids Yoga

  • Miss Linky

Netflix:

  • Trash Truck

  • StoryBots

  • Number Blocks

  • Tiny Chef

Amazon Prime:

  • If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

PBS Kids (Free App!):

  • Wild Kratts

  • Work it Out Wombats

Disney+:

  • Bluey

  • Mickey Mouse Clubhouse


The Importance of Interactive Screen Time

Engaging with your children during screen time can transform it from a passive activity into a language-rich learning opportunity. Participating in activities like dancing along with "Danny Go!" or discussing fascinating facts from "Wild Kratts" fosters meaningful interactions that enhance language development. Research indicates that co-viewing and interacting with children during screen time can mitigate potential negative effects and promote better language outcomes. For instance, studies have found that the quality of screen content and the context in which it is consumed, including parental involvement, significantly influence language development more than the duration of screen exposure (NCBI).

By actively engaging with your children during their screen time, you provide essential social interactions that are crucial for their cognitive and language growth. This shared experience not only enhances learning but also strengthens the parent-child bond, making screen time a more enriching and educational experience.


Video Games: Opportunities for Social Interaction and Language Development

For older children, video games can offer valuable opportunities for social interaction and language development, especially when played together with family members or friends. Multiplayer and cooperative games encourage communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Engaging in these games allows children to practice language in context, negotiate roles, and develop social strategies.

Some of our favorite family-friendly video games include:

  • Mario Party

  • Mario Kart

  • Minecraft

  • LEGO Worlds

These games not only provide entertainment but also serve as platforms for collaborative play and discussion. For instance, playing "Minecraft" together can involve planning and building projects, which fosters creativity and complex language use. Similarly, "Mario Party" and "Mario Kart" offer opportunities to discuss game strategies, practice good sportsmanship, and navigate winning and losing gracefully.

Research supports the idea that video games can be beneficial for social development. Studies have suggested that pro-social video games can enhance peer relationships and collaborative skills (PMC). Additionally, multiplayer games can serve as safe spaces for children to experiment with social interactions and develop communication skills (JCFS Chicago).

As with all screen time, moderation and content selection are key. Ensuring that the games are age-appropriate and engaging in them together can maximize their positive effects on language and social development.


Setting Boundaries and Creating Balance

On a personal note, I know how easy it can be to fall into bad screen-time habits. My husband and I recently reflected on our children’s screen use and realized they were getting far more than the recommended daily amount. We also noticed negative behavioral changes, including increased irritability and decreased willingness to engage in non-screen activities. After reading Justin Whitmel Early's recommendations in his book Habits of the Household, my husband and I established a plan to reduce screen time and remove certain platforms. Initially, we worried about resistance from our kids, but it turned out to be one of the best parenting decisions we have made. They still get screen time, but with limits, and the positive changes in their behavior and engagement have been well worth it.

Our new family screen time boundaries include: (1) kids can have free TV or tablet time only on Wednesdays and weekends, within reason; (2) video games are allowed more frequently if they are playing together and demonstrating kindness; (3) we have a planned family movie night once a week, with occasional extra movie nights in the winter; and (4) my husband and I make a conscious effort to put our own screens down to set a positive example for our children.

If you feel like your family’s screen time habits could use a reset, I encourage you to take the leap! Small changes can lead to big improvements in your child’s communication skills and overall well-being.

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