From a Speech Specialist: Concerns About Screen Time Have Been Exaggerated

If you’re a parent of young children, you’re likely aware that screen time is a significant issue today. After enduring various lockdowns for a year, well-meaning advocates frequently remind us that excessive screen time can harm our kids. Headlines emphasize the rise in screen usage during the pandemic, while experts express concern over its developmental impacts. As a speech-language specialist and mother of two preschoolers, I believe the screen time debate may be receiving more attention than it deserves.

Why the Anxiety?

Research has linked increased screen exposure at young ages with changes in white matter organization in the brain, which can be associated with language impairments. There are also correlations between excessive screen time and obesity. While environmental factors do influence brain development, it raises the question: why wouldn’t I strive to shield my children from even a slight chance of adverse effects?

However, attributing a causal link between screen time and developmental issues places an undue burden on parents. The effects of screen time on development is a complex subject, and, like many intricate developmental topics, establishing direct causal relationships is challenging. Most findings reveal correlations rather than definitive causes. Determining the exact reasons behind a child’s developmental delays or speech issues is often elusive. Moreover, the narrative surrounding screen time implies that allowing children to watch screens is detrimental to their brain development.

Methodological Flaws in Research

Many studies that attempt to assess the links between screen use and developmental metrics may have methodological flaws. The arbitrary nature of measuring screen time means we often overlook other variables affecting development. What activities did the child engage in when they weren’t using screens? What content were they viewing, and were caregivers present to discuss and enhance the experience? There may also be biases in data collection, where factors such as parental stress influence the amount of time a child spends in front of a screen. Some research indicates that early screen exposure does not result in long-term negative impacts.

The Burden of Parenting Choices

Parenting involves making countless choices for your child, and ensuring you’re making the best decisions for their growth and development can be daunting, especially for those with special needs. The added suggestion that your decisions might contribute to a disability can be frightening enough. Isn’t nine months of guilt over that daily cup of coffee during pregnancy sufficient? Do we need to instill fear in parents by suggesting that early parenting choices may lead to their child’s difficulties?

Part of this conclusion stems from the ease with which one can interpret data and claim a link between screen time and poor developmental outcomes. Such isolated facts often spread quickly across the internet and social media. We must resist the temptation to promote incomplete information on complicated subjects. For parents of children with developmental challenges, this can feel like a crushing blow. They are already doing everything possible to help their children improve their skills. As a professional who talks with many parents about child development, and as a parent to a child with speech and language difficulties, I truly empathize.

Understanding Language Development

To date, I know of no evidence indicating that typical parent-child interactions could cause language impairments. While cases of neglect and abuse can lead to cognitive and language difficulties, it’s known that language stimulation fosters children’s language use. Crucially, children are biologically predisposed to learn speech and language skills. This process unfolds naturally through interactions that parents cherish with their little ones. For some children, developing these skills may be more challenging for numerous reasons, including genetic influences on speech and language impairments. It’s unlikely that parents allowing their children to watch TV or play games on tablets will derail this natural language development process.

Rethinking Screen Time

Discussions around screen time often carry an implicit message that lower scores on developmental measures are “bad.” What if we, as a society, embraced individuals with varying strengths and weaknesses? If children with more screen hours show measurable differences in brain structure, why label screen time as negative? These neural differences, even if linked to variations in language processing, should not carry a judgment. Learning and processing differences are unique traits. Individuals who struggle in one area often excel in another.

Recent years have seen a push to embrace neurodiversity and reject ableist narratives. Children who are strong visual learners might find screens appealing because visual input resonates with them. This could mean we aren’t witnessing a negative impact of screens, but rather a natural occurrence. Technology offers vast opportunities to support learning, especially for visual learners. Skills such as recalling story elements and vocabulary acquisition can be enhanced through well-designed, screen-based educational interventions. The interactive and visual nature of these programs can serve as valuable tools for some learners.

The Alarmist View

The screen time debate often stems from alarmist views on societal decline. Critics argue that screens detract from genuine human connection, suggesting that children glued to devices miss out on vital experiences. This perspective feels exaggerated, echoing historical concerns about various societal shifts.

I recall a brunch with friends years ago, before we had kids. One friend was home sick, and we texted her while chatting in person. A passerby commented sadly on our phone use, missing the point that we were using technology to connect, even while together. Every parent I know juggles multiple responsibilities, and mobile technology can help us stay on track. For many, including myself, being able to work on my phone while spending time with my children enhances our connection rather than detracting from it. Surveys asking children if they feel ignored when parents are on their phones often overlook other factors that could lead to feelings of neglect. My kids often dislike it when I’m cooking, cleaning, or engaged in any task when they want my attention. What matters is that parents feel empowered to organize their days in a way that allows for both family time and necessary tasks.

Technology as a Tool for Connection

Technology also provides valuable tools for fostering language development and connecting with kids. For instance, my preschooler loves looking at photos of our past adventures. These visuals spark his chatter and encourage language use. What may start as me checking my email can draw his attention back to engaging with me. In this way, my tech use can actually facilitate connection throughout the day.

Moving Beyond Negative Narratives

Repetitive statements about the negative aspects of screen time divert focus from more pressing discussions. Over-simplifying the topic fosters a skewed perception that we are all addicted to screens. If screens are labeled as universally “bad,” it limits our ability to discuss when screen time is concerning or beneficial. Misusing phones while attending to children on a playground is dangerous, but letting kids watch a show while preparing dinner is a matter of planning—not safety. Some parents might struggle with internet addiction; they require support to modify their behaviors and address underlying issues. If we shift away from branding screens as inherently negative, we can channel our efforts into embracing their positive aspects and helping those genuinely grappling with unhealthy screen dependence.

The incessant repetition of anti-screen narratives fails to provide solutions and merely stirs anxiety. What if we reached a consensus that screens can be beneficial if used to enhance our family lives?

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In summary, while concerns about screen time are prevalent, it’s crucial to recognize the nuances and potential benefits associated with technology. Embracing the complexity of screen use allows for more informed discussions and decisions that can enhance family life.