Today, babies are able to handle tablets and mobiles even before they start taking their first steps. They have access to the parents' devices with which they can play or view content, making the screens become habitual in their day to day, and although it can be useful in some specific cases, early access has more risks than advantages.
According to a study presented at the Meeting of Pediatric Academic Societies 2017, The more time children under 2 years pass in front of the screen, the more likely that they have delays in speech development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, among its recommendations for the use of tablets, mobiles and TV by children, suggests avoid exposing babies up to 18 months to the screen, and from that age up to 24 months high-quality specific content accompanied by parents. Between 2 and five years for no more than one hour a day.
In the study, on the one hand, parents of almost 900 children were asked how much time their children spent each day in front of the screens at the age of 18 months. On the other hand, the researchers used a verified monitoring tool to assess children's language development also at 18 months (if the child uses sounds or words, if he collects words and how many words he uses).
In Babies and more 11 alternatives to screens to entertain children when we leave home20% of children spent an average of 28 minutes a day in front of the screens. Each 30-minute daily increase in screen usage was linked to a 49% increase in risk of what researchers called expressive language delay, which is about using sounds and words. The study found no link between the use of a mobile device and other areas of communication such as gestures, body language and social interaction.
Although they claim that it is a first investigation and more definitive studies are needed, but it is the first study that establishes a connection between the use of touch screen devices and an increased risk of expressive speech delay.
The first two years are fundamental for speech development and language in children. As long as we interact with them, talk to them, read or tell stories, they will contribute to strengthen their language skills, and improve their vocabulary. The screens do not replace that personal interaction, and the more time they devote to them, the less chance they will have to "practice" speech at a key stage.
In Babies and more Less screen time, more physical activity and better sleep: new WHO recommendations for babies and children
