Association between screen timing and delay language development among the toddlers and preschoolers

Association between screen timing and delay language development

Abstract

 The exact cause of language delay remain unknown but multiple predisposing factors can cause delay. During current situation the use of screen media increases among the person of every age. Screen timing can be one of the factors contributing to language delay.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship among screen timing as well as delay language development among the toddlers and pre-schoolers.

METHODS: Across-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care hospitals of Lahore during 4 months. 201 participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The linguistic abilities of participants were assessed through Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3rd Edition. Data about screen timing were collected from kid's parents through interview-based questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21.0.

RESULTS: The mean score of participants on scale of screen timing was 12.5572, (SD= .94232) and on scale of language assessment was 44.681, (SD= 25.46307). The correlation between screen time and delayed language development was significant (0.05). 49.3% of participants had 2-4 hours of screen time, 65.2% of participants used both tablets and TV, 61% of population start using screen media before the age of one year, 54% of population watch only videogames and cartoons, and 65% of parents never involve during the screen timing of their child.

CONCLUSION: It was concluded from the current study that the screen time is negatively related to language development as well as can be one of the factors which can cause and worsen language delay