Language Delays in Children May 15, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Health & Wellness, Less IS More, People.trackback
Smartphones do not create smart kids.
Just the opposite ~> early use of screen devices may cause language delays in kids.
In a new study of nearly 900 children between six months and two years old, researchers found that those who spent more time using handheld devices were more likely to have delays in expressive speech, compared to children who didn’t use the devices as much.
For every 30 minutes of screen time, there was a 49% increased risk of expressive speech delay. The research, which was led by pediatricians at the Hospital for Sick Children in Canada, was presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies.
The researchers say they did not find any effect of screen time on other communication skills, such as gesturing, body language or social interactions. But the effect on speech is worth investigating.
After all, why bother learning to talk when you can just press a button?
Now, step away from the Smartphone!
Unless, of course, you want to prove the adage: “Monkey see . . . Monkey do.”
Aah. . . that’s better!
To read more: Kids Who Use Smartphones Start Talking Later
Spirit Lights The Way 
Good point Nancy! In a doctors waiting room last week, there was a Mom texting on her phone. The toddler was demanding and crying that it was her turn!!
ACK! Stop the world . . . I want to get off! 😀
Another good post of yours for Facebook :). Thanks Nancy!
Spread the word!
Not surprised, but saddened by this report. I remember when I was a child people used to make fun of individuals who watched too much TV by calling them vidiots [video + idiot]. Seems like there might be more to that idea than previously thought.
At least with TV, children are hearing spoken language and expanding their vocabulary.
Seeing this report of research results didn’t surprise me one bit. A few months back, I watched a 2-year-old with his view glued to the phone in his hand. When interrupted, he just grunted and went back to cyber-space. His parents admitted that his speech was delayed.
No kidding! And the parents didn’t immediately yank the phone out of his hand? ☹️
Stupid parents ~> Stupid kids!
Oh Nancy, don’t even get me started on the Smartphone. You know where I stand. 🙂
Yup . . . you’re standing right beside me!
It’s true of adults too.
Absolutely . . .
But (most) adults learn to communicate with their peers before becoming wedded to their smart devices. Developmental delays in speech may stunt toddlers’ growth in other areas, causing life-long issues.
That’s really sad and scary, Nancy. I really wish parents would realize the value of instilling a love of reading and writing (actual handwriting) in children. Children miss key developmental stages when they only tap keys on a keyboard or phone.
Yes!!! Tapping keys and pressing buttons is NOT essential to a toddler’s development. Interacting with the real world is essential for maximizing communication skills.
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs both refused to allow their kids to have smart devices until they were something like age 10. Other parents should follow their lead.
This is so scary, Nancy! Young parents are often encouraging the monkey business by being constantly clued to their smartphones. I see mothers pushing strollers while checking on their phones….
Yup. It’s a Pandemic Epidemic and most addicts don’t even realize the hold their phone has over their attention, etc.
It amazed us that our 2.5 year old grandson was more adept at using the iPad than we were!
Quick! Send a link to the article to your grandson’s parents!
He is already fluent in French and English. In fact, he can speak English, including the nuances, better than some adults LOL.
He has an answer for everything in BOTH languages… I pity his parents when he becomes a teenager!
Lucky for them that many teens retreat into stoney silence for the duration. 😀
Interesting statistics! I’m not surprised, are you? I wish more parents would put a good ole hardback illustrated children’s book in their kids’ hands…
Nope. NOT surprised. The article substantiated what I’ve long suspected . . . and seeing toddlers grunting like ignorant pigs (instead of using real words like human beings) is both sad and unnecessary.
Here’s to old fashioned printed on paper BOOKS!
📚 Books rule!
They do!
Very interesting study, and believable. I’m fairly certain I’ve lost some IQ points from my own smart phone connection. I’m working on that! 😀
Please do. You’re too astute to lose!
I love to be “off line” and “unplugged” for most of the day. When I’m at my desk, I’m available by phone and e-mail. When away from my desk, I’m not. I’m on ME time!
Imagine in the future if we suddenly lose all this technology, Nancy – we’ll have a population of young ones who have no idea about communication or survival (or anything else for that matter). The true survivors would be the over 40s (hey – that’d make a good book) 😉
And you’re just the person to write it!
Very interesting read! Never really considered the implications of smartphones on speech development. I do think it also has an effect on creative development though. Instead of entertaining themselves, using their imagination and creating things, they are directly stimulated by a digital world on a phone. Sometimes so fresh air and a good stick is the best thing I think (For sword fighting dragons of course) 😀
Yes!!! Fresh air and a stick . . . or a big box to use as a boat, a rocket ship, a fort, etc.