What is screen time?
Children are becoming more and more tech savvy meaning that at times they are more advanced using technology than the adults around them. Many children look forward to having their Ipad for their treat time every day after school.
Is it as good for a child to learn and talk by using apps as in real life?
Unfortunately not, but that does not mean that cannot be used to support learning and as a really motivating entertainment source.
Recent studies have found that toddlers who watch more videos said fewer words overall. This has been surprising to lots of parents. At those times when you aren’t able to entertain your child, research has found that your child will gain more developmentally from play on their own, (problem solving, imaginative play, social understanding) than watching videos on an iPad.
But what impact could screens have on a child learning language?
We know that too much screen time can have a big impact on your child’s ability to communicate, some of the things to remember are:
- Having TV on in the background can mean a child finds it hard to know when to listen to your voice, this means they won’t retain the things you are teaching them. It may also distract them from play
- More TV or iPad means less time for real life interaction and learning.
- TV moves quickly compared to real life (there is a change on screen approx. every 5 to 10 seconds), this can mean that children find it difficult to develop attention and concentration skills.
- Research has found that video games does not lead to growth in some part of the brain (at the front), which helps a child learn to regulate behaviour.
Advice for non- screen time:
- Try limiting time on screens to a maximum of 2 hours a day
- Try having some screen free days where you do other fun things together.
- Let your child choose things that they like to do off screens, watch and join in their game. At this time, make sure that your phone is away so they are not reminded of the screens they like.
Advice for screen time:
- Every child needs some time in the day to unwind, it is OK if they choose the iPad as their reward.
- Being present is really important, sit with them and talk about the things they can see, give them praise and make suggestions while they play their games.
- Try to choose educational games/programmes at their communication level.
Remember that the best way for a child to learn to talk is to play with them and talk to them. As a parent you are their best source of learning!
Children are becoming more and more tech savvy meaning that at times they are more advanced using technology than the adults around them. Many children look forward to having their Ipad for their treat time every day after school.
What is screen time?
Your child may use ‘screens’ for lots of different fun activities. These may be watching programmes or Youtube videos, looking at pictures and playing games. Common ‘screens’ used by children are tablets (Ipad), mobile phones, computers and TV.
Is it as good for a child to learn and talk by using apps as in real life?
Unfortunately not, but that does not mean that cannot be used to support learning and as a really motivating entertainment source.
Recent studies have found that toddlers who watch more videos said fewer words overall. This has been surprising to lots of parents. At those times when you aren’t able to entertain your child, research has found that your child will gain more developmentally from play on their own, (problem solving, imaginative play, social understanding) than watching videos on an Ipad.
But what impact could screens have on a child learning language?
We know that too much screen time can have a big impact on your child’s ability to communicate, some of the things to remember are:
- Having TV on in the background can mean a child finds it hard to know when to listen to your voice, this means they won’t retain the things you are teaching them. It may also distract them from play
- More TV or iPad means less time for real life interaction and learning.
- TV moves quickly compared to real life (there is a change on screen approx. every 5 to 10 seconds), this can mean that children find it difficult to develop attention and concentration skills.
- Research has found that video games does not lead to growth in some part of the brain (at the front), which helps a child learn to regulate behaviour.
Advice for non-screen time:
- Try limiting time on screens to a maximum of 2 hours a day
- Try having some screen free days where you do other fun things together.
- Let your child choose things that they like to do off screens, watch and join in their game. At this time, make sure that your phone is away so they are not reminded of the screens they like
Advice for screen time:
- Every child needs some time in the day to unwind, it is ok if they choose the ipad as their reward.
- Being present is really important, sit with them and talk about the things they can see, give them praise and make suggestions while they play their games
- Try to choose educational games/programmes at their communication level.
Remember that the best way for a child to learn to talk is to play with them and talk to them. As a parent you are their best source of learning!
- Therapy
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