Excessive screen time linked to lower language development in toddlers

A collaboration of researchers from 20 nations has found that toddlers exceed recommended screen time limits, with television and smartphones being the most frequently used devices. Higher screen exposure was associated with lower language development scores, while book exposure and shared screen time with adults were linked to better language skills.

Child screen use has been increasing, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns about its impact on early cognitive and motor development. Prior studies indicate negative associations between screen time and early language acquisition, socioemotional development, and self-regulation skills. Pediatric associations recommend against screen use for children under two and advocate only limited, supervised use for older toddlers.

In the study, "Use of Screens, Books and Adults' Interactions on Toddler's Language and Motor Skills: A Cross-Cultural Study Among 19 Latin American Countries from Different SES," published in PLOS ONE, researchers analyzed data from 1,878 toddlers aged 12 to 48 months across Latin America between August 2021 and March 2023.

Participants were evaluated using parent-reported surveys of screen use, shared media engagement, book exposure, language skills, and developmental milestones. Socioeconomic status (SES) was determined based on access to basic needs, parental education, and occupation.

Results showed that TV and background TV were the most frequently used media, with average daily exposure exceeding one hour. Entertainment content was the most consumed, followed by music and educational programming. Screen exposure varied minimally by SES and nationality, but families with lower SES reported less book use and fewer educational resources.

Negative associations were found between screen time and language development, particularly for background and general TV viewing. Higher screen exposure correlated with lower lexical density and later language milestone achievement. In contrast, book exposure and shared screen engagement with adults were positively linked to language skills. The relationship between screen use and motor development was not significant.

The findings support previous research that excessive screen use negatively impacts early language development. Shared engagement with adults and appropriate content types may mitigate some of these effects. With screen use poised to increase and become more complex, the researchers suggest future experimental designs control variables and isolate their impact.

More information: Lucas G. Gago-Galvagno et al, Use of screens, books and adults' interactions on toddler's language and motor skills: A cross-cultural study among 19 Latin American countries from different SES, PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314569

Journal information: PLoS ONE

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