Screen time and young children: How to support speech and language development through interaction
By Emma O’Dwyer, Speech and Language Therapist & IBCLC
Baby Speak | Speech and Language Therapy, Harley Street, London
Recent coverage by the BBC has highlighted growing concern about screen time for young children, with new government guidance for under-fives expected later this year. The article reflects what many parents, early years professionals and Speech and Language Therapists are already noticing: some children are finding it harder to sustain attention, engage in conversation and develop early communication skills.
At Baby Speak, we work with families across London every day to support speech, language and early communication. Screens are now a part of modern family life, but how they are used and what they replace matters.
This article offers evidence-based, practical guidance to help parents support language development while navigating screen time thoughtfully and calmly.
Screens Are Not the Main Issue, Interaction Is
Research consistently shows that babies and toddlers learn language best through real human interaction. Communication develops through:
Eye contact
Facial expressions
Turn-taking
Shared attention
Responsive talk
Screens themselves are not inherently harmful, but screens cannot replace interaction. When screen use reduces opportunities for face-to-face communication, language development can be affected.
The NHS highlights the importance of talking, playing and interacting with children from birth to support speech and language development.
Why Parent Interaction Matters for Language Development
Language learning is not passive. Babies and young children do not learn language simply by hearing words; they learn through back-and-forth exchanges.
Studies show that:
Children exposed to more responsive adult interaction develop larger vocabularies
Conversational turn-taking predicts later language outcomes more strongly than word exposure alone
Language learning is strongest when adults follow the child’s focus and respond meaningfully
This is why background TV or independently used screens do not provide the same benefits as interaction with a caregiver.
Choosing Slow Paced, Language Friendly Content
If screens are used, content choice matters.
Research suggests that fast paced programmes with frequent scene changes can:
Reduce attention regulation
Make it harder for young children to process language
Increase cognitive load
In contrast, slow paced programmes with clear narration, predictable structure and pauses are easier for young children to follow.
When screens are used, parents can support language development by:
Choosing calm, slow paced shows
Watching together rather than leaving the child alone with a screen
Talking about what is happening on screen
This mirrors how shared book reading supports language development.
Why Screens Should Not Be Used During Key Developmental Moments
Mealtimes
Mealtimes are rich opportunities for:
Social interaction
Turn-taking
Vocabulary development
Family conversation
Using screens during meals can reduce opportunities for shared communication and connection.
Bedtime
Language development relies on routine and emotional regulation. Screens before bed can:
Disrupt sleep patterns
Reduce opportunities for calming, responsive interaction
Replace bedtime routines such as reading and talking
The NHS recommends calm, screen-free routines before sleep for young children.
During Meltdowns or Overwhelm
Using screens to manage distress can unintentionally:
Reduce opportunities to learn emotional language
Limit co-regulation with an adult
Replace communication with distraction
Supporting children through big emotions with language helps build long-term regulation and communication skills.
Why Touching Screens Matters
Interactive screen use (tapping, swiping, scrolling) can pull attention away from:
Listening
Joint attention
Face-to-face interaction
For babies and toddlers, learning happens through watching faces, hearing voices and engaging socially. Passive viewing alongside an adult, with commentary and interaction, is more supportive than independent screen use.
Practical, Evidence-Based Screen Time Principles for Families
Rather than rigid rules, Speech and Language Therapists often recommend simple guiding principles:
Prioritise interaction over screen time
Use screens intentionally, not automatically
Choose slow-paced, language-rich content
Avoid screens during meals, bedtime, meltdowns and periods of overwhelm
Watch together and talk about what you see
Keep screens out of background play
These principles align with NHS and early years guidance and help protect opportunities for communication.
When to Seek Support
If a child:
Is not babbling by around 9–10 months
Uses very few words by 18 months
Finds it difficult to engage in interaction
Appears to struggle with attention or listening
A Speech and Language Therapy assessment can provide reassurance and tailored guidance.
How Baby Speak Supports Families
Baby Speak is a specialist paediatric Speech and Language Therapy practice based on Harley Street, London.
We offer:
Clinic appointments
Home visits across North, Central, West and East London
Online consultations
Evidence-based support for babies, toddlers and young children
Learn more about our Speech and Language Therapy services in London or book an appointment.
A Balanced, Supportive Approach
Screens are now part of family life. The key question is not whether they are used, but how.
By protecting time for interaction, choosing developmentally appropriate content, and avoiding screens during key learning moments, parents can support their child’s communication while navigating modern life with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does screen time cause speech delay?
Screen time does not automatically cause a speech delay, but high screen use can reduce the amount of face-to-face interaction children need to learn language. The biggest risk is what screen time replaces: shared attention, turn-taking and responsive conversation.
What type of screen time is best for language development?
If screens are used, children learn best when an adult watches with them and talks about what they see. Choose slow paced, language rich programmes with clear narration and fewer rapid scene changes.
Should I watch with my child or let them watch independently?
Co-viewing is best. Sitting with your child and commenting on what is happening supports vocabulary, understanding and attention. Independent viewing provides far fewer opportunities for interaction.
Why should screens be avoided during meals?
Mealtimes are one of the most reliable daily opportunities for conversation, turn-taking and listening. Screens during meals can reduce these language rich interactions.
Why avoid screens during bedtime?
Bedtime is an important time for calm, connection and routine, including talking and shared reading. Screens can disrupt sleep and replace interactive routines that support language development.
Why avoid screens during meltdowns or when a child is overwhelmed?
Using screens to manage distress can reduce opportunities for co-regulation and emotional language (naming feelings, offering comfort, using simple calming routines). These are foundational skills for communication and self-regulation.
Should young children use iPads or phones that they touch and swipe?
For babies and toddlers, interactive use (tapping, swiping, scrolling) can pull attention away from listening and shared interaction. If screens are used, passive viewing alongside an adult with conversation is generally more supportive for language development than solo device use.
What are practical alternatives to screen time that support language?
Short bursts of play with an adult, shared book reading, singing, nursery rhymes, simple pretend play, and “helping” with everyday routines (sorting laundry, cooking, tidying) all build language through interaction.
When should I seek support from a Speech and Language Therapist?
Consider an assessment if your child is not babbling by around 9–10 months, uses very few words by 18 months, struggles to attend to interaction, or you are worried about communication. Read more about early speech and language milestones: what to expert from birth to 3 years.
References
NHS (2023). Speech and language development in babies and children.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/speech-and-language-development/
Tamis-LeMonda, C. S. et al. (2001). Maternal responsiveness and children’s achievement of language milestones.
Rowe, M. L. (2012). A longitudinal investigation of the role of quantity and quality of child-directed speech.
Emma O’Dwyer
Speech and Language Therapist, IBCLC Lactation Consultant and Founder of Baby Speak