Digital Smarts - Study: Screen Time Can Slow Language Skills

With kids doing classwork online due to prolonged school closures during the coronavirus pandemic, it is good for parents to remember to vary what they are doing by not only adding some physical activity to screen time, but also to remember engaging in just plain old conversation. Adding that language component is extra important in these times of reliance on digital learning and entertainment, JAMA Pediatrics points out in a recent article. They cite that while high-quality educational screen content is associated with better language skills, more overall time on screens each day, regardless of its quality, is linked to lower language development. Sheri Madigan, lead researcher from the University of Calgary in Canada, says school leaders and educators can help parents develop plans to keep screen time in check.