Influence of Screen Time on Young Children’s Vocabulary Development

Abstract

Introduction:   The widespread adoption of technology, particularly among the youth, has become a global phenomenon in recent decades. This trend is particularly concerning when considering the escalating use of screen media among children and teenagers. Exposure to screens from an early age has raised public health alarms due to its association with a myriad of issues such as poor academic performance, behavioral challenges, limited vocabulary, overweight, obesity, and disrupted sleep. Notably, language development in young children is identified as a critical aspect adversely impacted by excessive screen time.

Objectives:   The aim of this study is to identify the influence of screen time on young children’s vocabulary development.

Methods: A Cross-Sectional study was conducted in different hospitals and schools in Lahore. The Preschool Language Scale-Fourth Edition was administered to 150 children to evaluate language skills in children aged 3 to 6 years 11 months. Areas including language precursors, semantics, structure, integrative language skills, and phonological awareness were studied to determine the children's language proficiency.

Results: Findings revealed that children, on average, spent 4–7 hours, 8–10 hours, 11–15 hours, and at least 1-3 hours daily on screens. A subset demonstrated age-appropriate vocabulary of 50 words, while the majority exhibited limited vocabulary of 10, 20, and 40 words. The study noted a peak in screen time at the age of 4, with a subsequent decline at age 7. Notably, increased screen time correlated with weakened lexical skills and overall language development in children.

Conclusion: Research underscores a concerning correlation between heightened screen use and a decrease in children's vocabulary. The detrimental effects extend beyond vocabulary to encompass broader aspects of children's development, including linguistic skills. Notably, increased screen time is associated with reduced social contact and diminished vocabulary and language abilities in young children.

Key words: screen time, vocabulary, language proficiency, preschool language scale, children