Digital screen time and speech-language delay in children: A cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study finds that high screen time in young children is linked to speech delays, highlighting the need for parental supervision and regulated use.

Contribution

The study identifies specific factors like excessive screen time and poor content quality as contributors to speech-language delay in children.

Findings

60% of children aged 6 months to 5 years showed speech delay, with the highest rate in toddlers.

Excessive screen time and lack of parental supervision were significantly associated with speech delay.

Poor-quality content was linked to speech delay across all age groups.

Abstract

Digital device use in early childhood has raised concerns regarding its impact on speech and language development. Hence, this cross-
sectional study of 2000 children aged 6 months to 5 years examined the association between screen time and isolated speech delay. Overall,
60% showed speech delay, with the highest prevalence in toddlers (70%). Excessive screen time, poor-quality content and lack of parental
supervision were significantly associated with speech delay across all age groups (p < 0.05). Thus, we show the need for regulated screen
exposure, parental involvement and early intervention to support healthy language development.