Is Toddler Screen Time Hurting Language Development?

• Toddlers are spending more time on their screens — The study revealed that toddlers in Latin America are indeed clocking in more screen time than experts recommend for their age group. Specifically, television (TV) and background TV emerged as the most frequently used screens.

• The average daily use for these devices alone was 60 to 90 minutes — This high usage rate was seen across different income levels, suggesting screen use is a widespread habit, not limited to specific socioeconomic groups within Latin America. Cellphones were the second most used type of screen.

• Increased screen time linked to poorer language skills — Toddlers who were exposed to more background TV and personal computers (PCs) showed lower scores in tests measuring their vocabulary size and sentence complexity. Increased TV time was associated with parents reporting delays in their children reaching language milestones.

This suggests that passive screen time, especially from TVs, is hindering language development during these vulnerable early years.

• Interestingly, not all screen time was detrimental — The researchers found mixed results with tablets, cellphones and PCs. While TV and background TV showed negative associations, tablet use was actually linked to higher scores in sentence use. Similarly, cell phone, PC and tablet use were associated with parents reporting earlier achievement of language milestones. This suggests that the type of screen and how it’s used significantly alters its impact.

• The role of shared screen time and book reading — When adults actively shared screen time with toddlers, especially on TVs and cellphones, children showed better language skills. This included larger vocabularies, more complex sentence use and reaching language milestones earlier. Additionally, dedicating time to reading books with toddlers was also strongly linked to better language development.

• Entertainment content was the most popular among toddlers — However, those who watched more educational content scored higher on vocabulary tests, while those who watched more entertainment content showed better sentence use and earlier language milestone achievement.

• Screen time’s impact depends on various factors — The review revealed that the influence of screen time is not simply a matter of “screens are bad” or “screens are good.” Instead, the impact depends heavily on a range of factors. These include how much screen time a child gets, at what age they start, the type of content they’re exposed to, and whether or not they are watching with a parent or caregiver.

It’s this combination of elements that ultimately shapes whether screen time helps or hinders language skills.

• Screen time among very young children leads to negative effects — However, increased screen time, particularly when started very early in life, often has negative consequences for language development. The research consistently shows that more hours spent in front of screens is linked to delays in both understanding language (receptive language) and expressing oneself verbally (expressive language).

For the youngest children, those under 2 years old, these negative effects are especially pronounced. This reinforces the recommendation to limit or avoid screen time for babies and toddlers.

• The age at which screen exposure begins matters significantly — The review also revealed that while early onset of viewing often leads to negative outcomes, starting screen time at an older age presented some benefits. This suggests that as children mature, their ability to process and learn from screen-based media changes.

• The characteristics of the videos also play a role — Fast-paced videos with rapid scene changes, lots of flashing images and limited language hinder language development. These types of videos are overwhelming and cognitively taxing for young children, making it difficult for them to focus on and absorb language cues.

Slower-paced, age-appropriate programs with clear language and close-ups were more beneficial, especially when they feature educational content.

• The presence of a co-viewer, typically a parent or caregiver, is another key factor — When adults actively participate in screen time with children, asking questions, explaining content and interacting verbally, it enhances language learning. In this case, it’s the interaction and engagement around the screen, not the screen itself, that makes all the difference.

1. Minimize screen time, particularly for children under 2 years old — The most straightforward advice is to limit overall screen exposure. For children younger than 24 months, this is essential. If you have a very young child, focus on screen-free activities. This is when their brains are rapidly developing through direct interaction with their physical environment and the people around them.

You will support their development best by prioritizing face-to-face conversations, play and exploration of the real world, rather than digital simulations.

2. Reduce your toddler’s exposure to EMFs and blue light, especially in the evening — Excessive smartphone and device use exposes your toddler to significant electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which disrupt cellular energy by interfering with the mitochondria within their cells. When EMFs penetrate their body, they cause calcium ions to flood into cells, leading to harmful free radicals and increased oxidative stress.

Reducing your toddler’s screen time is not just about language development; it’s also about protecting their cellular health from EMF exposure. Keep cellphones and devices away from your toddler to reduce their direct exposure to these EMF-emitting technologies.

Further, blue light emitted from screens and artificial lighting interferes with your child’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This disruption of their circadian rhythm has detrimental effects on their overall health and development.

To mitigate this, avoid screens for at least an hour or two before bedtime and dim the lights in your home in the evening, favoring warmer light sources over bright, cool tones. Consider using blue light filters on devices if screen use is unavoidable in the hours leading up to sleep.

3. Prioritize real-world interaction and book reading — Screens should not replace real-world experiences for toddlers. Reading books together and engaging in direct, face-to-face interactions are powerfully linked to language development. Make these activities a daily priority. Dedicate specific times for reading aloud, playing games and simply talking and interacting with your child without any screens involved.

These human connections are irreplaceable for building a strong language foundation and fostering healthy development.

4. Make outdoor time non-negotiable in your daily routine — Prioritize outdoor play and exploration as a fundamental part of your toddler’s day. The real world provides a rich environment of sunlight, sights, sounds, textures and experiences that screens simply cannot replicate. Make time outdoors a non-negotiable part of each day, rain or shine if possible.

This dedicated outdoor time naturally reduces the hours available for screen exposure and ensures your child engages with the world in a more holistic, developmentally supportive way.

5. Establish screen-free zones within your home — Designate certain areas in your living space as screen-free zones to actively shape your family’s screen habits. Think about making bedrooms and the dining area screen-free spaces for everyone in the household. This simple step encourages alternative activities in these zones, such as reading, talking, playing and being together without digital distractions.

Creating these screen-free havens helps to naturally limit overall exposure and promotes healthier, more interactive family time. It’s about consciously designing your home environment to support a balanced lifestyle where screens are not the default entertainment or activity.