In today’s tech-savvy world, many parents have resorted to utilizing their smartphones or tablets to entertain their little ones. Whether it’s a colorful cartoon or an engaging game, these devices often serve as a quick distraction while parents juggle their busy schedules. However, a recent study suggests that even minimal screen time could be more harmful than previously understood.
Presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, research led by Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatrician at the Toronto Children’s Hospital, revealed a concerning correlation between screen time and speech delays in children aged six months to two years. Parents of 900 toddlers, around 18 months old, provided data on daily media usage. Researchers then assessed the children’s language development, focusing on vocabulary and their ability to use sounds or words to communicate.
The findings indicated that for every additional 30 minutes of screen time each day, the risk of “expressive speech delay”—the ability to use words and sounds—rose by 49%. This aligns with the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations
If you’re curious about these recommendations, keep reading, or feel free to cover your ears and shout “LA LA LA,” since many parents likely don’t adhere to these guidelines consistently:
- For children under 18 months, avoid screen media except for video chatting.
- For kids aged 18 to 24 months, if you wish to introduce digital media, select high-quality content and watch it together to aid comprehension.
- For children 2 to 5 years old, limit screen time to just one hour per day, again emphasizing high-quality programming and co-viewing to enhance understanding.
While the purpose of allowing some screen time often seems to be for a brief parental breather, the reality is that parents need to balance their responsibilities, from laundry to preparing meals. And let’s be honest, it’s Fireman Sam, not us, who teaches kids how to save kittens from fires!
Researchers stress the need for more studies to fully grasp the effects of screen time on those under two. “To truly inform parents and healthcare providers on what advice to give, more definitive research is essential,” Dr. Carter told CNN.
In the meantime, perhaps more Fireman Sam is a small price to pay for the world’s kittens. For more insights on parenting and home insemination options, check out our post on cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo. Also, for those interested in enhancing fertility, this fertility booster for men could be beneficial. If you’re navigating pregnancy, the World Health Organization offers excellent resources.
To summarize, new research underscores the potential risks of screen time on speech development in toddlers, calling for parents to reconsider their media usage strategies. As we strive to give our children the best start, awareness and moderation are key.
Keyphrase: screen time and speech delays
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