Gadgets inhibit children's speech development - study

This is according to a new study presented by psychologist Sarah Cooker of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. According to the authors, children learn to speak faster if they interact with real objects rather than just watching a video on a screen.

"When a child learns a new word, such as 'banana,' it is important that he or she can touch it, look at it from all sides, smell it. Only then are full associations formed and the word is cemented," Cooker explains.

According to her, a screen image or a cartoon does not provide the same amount of information as a real object.

The authors believe the key to successful language development in children is tactile and sensory experiences that provide deep and multi-channel learning.

"Just looking is not the same as playing, touching and exploring," Coaker emphasises.

The early years of a child's life are especially critical. It is during this period that the basic connections between the brain and language are formed. Therefore, experts advise to limit screen time as much as possible during this period and rely on active forms of learning.

Nevertheless, the authors of the study emphasise that not all screen content is harmful. Some forms of digital media, on the contrary, can contribute to learning, especially if used in social interactions. For example, video calls with grandma can help a child learn to dialogue, and playing games together can help develop listening and speech.

To ensure that screen time is beneficial, Kucker offers parents four simple tips:

1. Ask yourself the question: why are you giving your child a screen? If it's just to distract or soothe, it may be worth trying alternatives like an anti-stress toy or breathing exercises.

2. Use screens to communicate. Video calls with loved ones help to build the skill of 'feedback' in conversation. Collaborative two-person games like online puzzles also build speech skills.

3. Choose interactive content. If a video or app doesn't require your child to react in any way, it won't do much good. It's better to choose ones that ask questions or relate to the world around them.

4. Compensate the screen with live interaction. Let the child hear as much real speech as possible. Even simply commenting on what they are doing - for example, while cooking or cleaning - promotes language development.

The authors believe that the main task of parents should not be to completely eliminate digital devices, but to create a healthy balance between the screen and "live" experience. Only then can technology become an aid rather than an obstacle to a child's learning and development.