Screens Steal Speech: Kids' Development Lagging

An alarming trend of speech and development delays is affecting under-fives across the UK, with councils reporting an 'astronomical' rise over the past five years. Research suggests a strong correlation between this increase and the growing exposure of young children to screens. Nursery staff have observed children arriving at facilities using devices, impacting their opportunities for interaction.

This surge in developmental needs, particularly in communication, coincides with more children identified as 'pre-verbal'. National data shows a decrease in two-year-olds meeting speech milestones. Nursery workers emphasize that children are not being spoken to at home, instead being offered screens, hindering their social and communication skills development.

Beyond screen time, factors like poverty, family hardship, and an increase in neurodivergence are also cited. Older children, who experienced isolation during their early years, continue to show deficits. The findings are being highlighted ahead of potential reforms to the special educational needs system.