{"title":"Balancing Digital Media Exposure: Enhancing Language and Social Development in Early Childhood.","authors":"Rohan Patel, Emma McQueen, Caitlyn Gold","doi":"10.1542/pir.2024-006413","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent years, the widespread integration of digital media into early childhood has significantly influenced the landscape of language development. Traditional speech and language acquisition is deeply rooted in social interactions and environmental stimuli; however, the increasing exposure to digital media introduces new variables into this developmental process. Research indicates that excessive or inappropriate use of digital media can impede language development. Conversely, high-quality educational content, when used appropriately, can support language acquisition and vocabulary growth. This review examines the complex effects of digital media exposure on early language development and related cognitive and social domains, highlighting both potential risks and benefits. It underscores the pivotal role of health care providers in guiding families toward balanced and evidence-based media use. By synthesizing current research and offering practical recommendations, this article aims to assist providers in supporting such development trajectories in young children within our increasingly digital world.</p>","PeriodicalId":20007,"journal":{"name":"Pediatrics in review","volume":"46 5","pages":"245-257"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Pediatrics in review","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2024-006413","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"PEDIATRICS","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
In recent years, the widespread integration of digital media into early childhood has significantly influenced the landscape of language development. Traditional speech and language acquisition is deeply rooted in social interactions and environmental stimuli; however, the increasing exposure to digital media introduces new variables into this developmental process. Research indicates that excessive or inappropriate use of digital media can impede language development. Conversely, high-quality educational content, when used appropriately, can support language acquisition and vocabulary growth. This review examines the complex effects of digital media exposure on early language development and related cognitive and social domains, highlighting both potential risks and benefits. It underscores the pivotal role of health care providers in guiding families toward balanced and evidence-based media use. By synthesizing current research and offering practical recommendations, this article aims to assist providers in supporting such development trajectories in young children within our increasingly digital world.
期刊介绍:
Pediatrics in Review (PIR) is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ monthly peer-reviewed continuing medical education journal, designed to keep the general pediatric clinician current in all areas of pediatric medicine and to assist those participating in the Maintenance of Certification program of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).
The journal is one of the key components of the Academy’s continuing medical education program: PREP® (the Pediatrics Review and Education Program). Together, PIR and the PREP Self-Assessment comprise PREP The Curriculum®.
Each PIR review article includes quiz questions formulated by topic experts.