Technology in education is at a crossroads.
Experts argue that introducing technology before the age of ten is risky. Should educators and parents be worried?
ASHA's guidance highlights how excessive screen time can impact specific areas of development, including:
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), excessive screen time can negatively impact children's communication and social skills.
Speech and language development: Speech and language development depends on verbal interaction through talking, singing, reading, and playing. Some studies link early screen exposure to later delays in language development.
Vocabulary development
Ability to self-soothe and self-regulate
Opportunities to bond
Social development: Nonverbal methods of communication, such as texting, tweeting, and snap-chatting, can potentially cause issues with in-person interactions. This can lead to more children being socially awkward, withdrawn, shy, or intimidated by social situations
ASHA's guidance for parents and families includes recommendations for helping children develop a healthy balance of screen time:
Consider screen time before birth
Set clear rules: Use pictures or timers to help children understand rules about when and where they can use screens. These rules could include daily time limits, screen-free zones, or screen-free times of day.
Focus on content quality: AAP guidelines recommend focusing on content quality, co-viewing, and communication instead of screen time.