Appropriate Screen Time Use to Prevent Speech and Language Delay in Toddlers during the Covid-19 Pandemic: a Brief Report

Abstract

With the COVID-19 lockdown and other limitations, screen time has increased for everyone, even young children. Children’s screen use has a deleterious influence on a variety of cognitive functions, including language delay. Various Paediatrics organizations have noticed these harmful impacts, and suggestions for parents were released to limit screen usage. These agencies have provided suggestions on the duration of screen usage for specific age groups. This study tries to address screen time from a qualitative standpoint. Suggestions for successful ways to participate in screen time are presented. Interactive screen time, including co-viewing and enough language engagement, may assist to mitigate the negative effects of screen time on language development. The screen has its own restrictions and several severe repercussions if they are exceeded. As a result, wherever feasible, screen time should be avoided, and language-rich quality time with children should be prioritized. © 2022, Vrije University. All rights reserved.