Screen Time Steals Words: Kids' Vocab Shrinking

Children's vocabulary development is reportedly suffering as their daily screen time increases, according to Countdown star Susie Dent. She highlights a growing vocabulary gap among young learners, attributing it to a decline in reading due to excessive screen use. Dent is involved in a campaign with Soreen malt loaf to encourage word games and reading during snack times.

New government research indicates a link between higher screen use and poorer language development in children under two. Those watching screens for approximately five hours daily could say significantly fewer words than children with around 44 minutes of screen time. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson noted that nearly all children, around 98 percent, watch screens daily by age two, with concerns raised about children finding it harder to converse and concentrate.

Phillipson plans to issue guidance for parents on managing screen use for children under five, emphasizing that while screens are here to stay, they should be used constructively. The guidance will also suggest alternatives to screen time, acknowledging that many adults themselves spend hours on devices daily. This initiative aims to address the risks associated with excessive screen time during critical language development periods.