How Screen Time Affects Your Child’s Language Skills and What to do About It
Screens are everywhere, and while they might keep kids quiet for a bit, they’re not doing their speech and language any favors. The bright, flashy pictures don’t just entertain—they overload the brain, making it harder for kids to focus, control their bodies, and build the skills they need to talk and imagine. At Turning Tides Speech Therapy, we see this all the time. Here’s what’s happening—and how you can turn it around.
Flashy Screens Shut Down the Brain
Ever notice how kids zone out with screens? The rapid-fire colors and sounds overwhelm their brains, switching off the parts that process language and self-control. Studies show this overstimulation is linked to hyperactivity and trouble focusing—two big roadblocks to learning words and forming sentences. It’s not just a brain break; it turns off the brain and creates a completely passive mind.
Imagination Takes a Hit
Have you ever wondered why kids don’t seem to have as much imagination as they used to? Constant screen time is starving their imagination. When every story is spoon-fed with pictures, they don’t get to use their imagination to picture a scene or dream up a game. Language grows through creativity—without it, kids struggle to find their own words or tell their own stories.
Practical Fixes to Flip the Script
You don’t have to ditch screens cold turkey—start small and build from there. Here’s how:
Set a strict screen time limit
Begin with what’s doable—maybe an hour a day—then cut back more as your family adjusts. Aim for 15-20 minutes max daily. It’s less about the clock and more about giving their brain room to wake up and work. It’s okay to give extra screen time occasionally as a special treat, but it’s exactly that— a treat. If you need quiet time for yourself, try sending your children into the backyard to play or taking them to the park. Reserve the extra screen time for special occasions only.
Read together instead
Swap videos for books and read to your child—no need to wait until they can read on their own. Start with picture books if they’re little or new to it, then try chapter books without images as they grow. Hearing you read builds their language and lets them imagine the story in their head, no matter their age.
Even if your child can’t read yet, many children enjoy looking at the pictures on their own. You just have to teach them how to do it first. Go through a few picture books and avoid reading the words. You can ask your child to help you make up a story about the pictures instead. They will quickly learn to enjoy doing this on their own.
Play pretend
The best part about teaching your child to use their imagination is that your toy budget goes way down! Ditch the technology and grab low-tech toys to spark their imagination. Wooden blocks can stack into a castle or stand in for a car. A few dolls or animals can kick off a story—maybe they’re farmers or explorers. These real, simple tools get kids talking and creating, no batteries required. The simpler the toys you provide, the more your child will be forced to use their imagination when playing. You may have to teach them how to do this at first, but they will catch on very quickly.
Still Struggling?
If screen limits and playtime aren’t moving the needle on your child’s speech—or if you’re seeing delays, pronunciation issues, or challenges with focusing—our team at Turning Tides Speech Therapy in Pensacola can step in. We focus on practical solutions to get their language and oral skills on track. Call us for support tailored to your family.