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Screen time and your child.

 

It’s not just screen time… it’s how it’s used.

 

Digital media has become a huge part of daily life and for many families it feels almost impossible to cut through the noise of advice, opinions and conflicting information to find the right support and balance.

As Speech and Language Therapist’s we see parents constantly navigating this tension, wanting to do what is right for their child, while also managing the real demands of modern life, where screens are everywhere.

Research links higher screen use with smaller vocabularies and poorer language skills. A key reason is that screens can reduce opportunities for back-and-forth interaction, play, movement, and shared attention, all of which are essential for communication development. Fast-paced, highly stimulating content may also affect attention and language processing.

 

The current government guidance suggests:

  • Under 2s: avoid screens, except for shared, interactive use
  • Ages 2–5: aim for no more than 1 hour per day

However, context matters and for many of the children we support, screens can provide regulation and predictability, offer a safe and familiar space as well as supporting access to their preferred interests. We recognise that screen time can be helpful, not harmful, when used thoughtfully.

 

What matters most:

  • What your child is watching: choose slower-paced, low stimulating, language-rich and age-appropriate content
  • How they’re watching: co-view where possible and talk, comment, and engage together

 

Small changes can make a big difference:

  • Prioritise shared activities like reading, play, and conversation
  • Use screens as a tool, not a replacement for interaction
  • Set up small areas of play that are sensory and hands on to motivate your child to want to play (e.g. sand tray with cars and diggers, tray of rice with animals)
  • Follow your child’s needs, especially if they are neurodiverse

 

There’s still much we don’t fully understand about screen time and development. What we do know is that connection, communication, and responsiveness matter most. We are here to support you, not judge you and if you need further information, please speak to your Speech and Language Therapist.

 

Examples of low stimulation tv shows:

 

Ideas for fun activities to do at home:

 

Further information and evidence:

 

by Tess Chapman

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