In today’s digital age, screen time has become a routine part of children’s lives, even at a young age. We constantly have smartphones, tablets, and computers at our fingertips and concerns have emerged about how screen time influences developmental milestones, particularly in literacy. Birth to age 5 is a critical period for language and literacy acquisition, therefore it is important to be mindful of the type, quality, and amount of screen time used- because it can significantly affect cognitive, linguistic, and social growth.
Research has uncovered information about the relationship between screen time and
literacy development. A recent study found that excessive screen time, particularly passive consumption of media like television and videos, can negatively impact language development in young children (Jackson, et al., 2021) . Too much screen time reduces opportunities for face-to-face interactions, which are essential for building vocabulary and comprehension skills (Jackson, et al., 2021). While interactive media, such as educational apps, can provide some benefits, their impact depends on how well children are engaged in active learning versus passive viewing.
Another study suggests that children who engage with interactive, educational content on screens, such as storytelling apps or reading programs, may develop literacy skills more effectively than those who only consume passive content (Thompson et al., 2022). Even so, researchers caution that the amount of benefit is correlated to screen time being followed by shared activities with caregivers, such as discussing the content or engaging in play (Thompson et al., 2022). It is the adult-child interactions that help children consolidate new vocabulary and ideas, making screen time a tool, rather than a substitute, for in-person learning experiences.
A 2023 longitudinal study emphasizes the significant role of early reading habits and physical play in fostering foundational literacy skills (Lopez et al., 2023). The study found that children who were read to regularly and engaged in creative, screen-free play had superior reading comprehension and vocabulary development by age five compared to their peers who spent more time with screens (Lopez et al., 2023). These findings stress the importance of balancing screen time with traditional literacy practices, such as reading aloud and engaging in conversation.
Experts recommend that screen time be
intentional, educational, and interactive. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2021) recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5, and that the content is high-quality and interactive. Parents should also make time for traditional literacy-building activities like reading books, storytelling, and engaging in creative play, which help nurture language skills and cognitive development.
While screens are a convenient part of the modern world, it’s essential to understand their role in early literacy development and that they should not replace real-world interactions or traditional literacy practices. Balance screen use with face-to-face interaction by making sure the scale is tipping far to the face to face engagement side.
For more information about how screen viewing impacts particularlychildren birth to 36 months, check out this article: https://thechild.sg/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/07/EI_002_CHILD_Impact-of-Screen-Viewing-on-Cognitive-Development_For-Circulation-digital.pdf
Lynne Hall is a research associate at the Indiana Institute on Disability & Community’s Early Childhood Center. She holds a Master of Science in Education and an Indiana instructional teaching license (Early Childhood Education and Services; Elementary/Primary Generalist; Elementary/Intermediate Generalist). She formerly taught preschool in a variety of settings for over 15 years. Her expertise includes early literacy instruction, equitable strategies, and inclusive preschool classroom practices.
Email her at hallma@iu.edu
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