New Delhi, 8 February (IANS). Excessive use of screen (TV, smartphone etc.) can negatively impact on the ability to learn language in children. According to an international study, linking young children with books and watching the screen together with adults can improve their language skills.
A study conducted by researchers from 20 Latin American countries analyzed data from 1,878 young children of 12 to 48 months. In this, based on the questions asked by the parents, children’s screen use, book connectivity, language development and other aspects were tested. Also, his family’s financial condition, parents’ education and jobs were also reviewed.
Research published in the journal PLOS One found that the most commonly used medium for young children was TV, which was viewed for more than an hour on an average. This can slow down the pace of language development in children.
In addition, the study also revealed that entertainment programs are most seen by children, while music and educational programs were second and third. The use of books and educational resources was found to be less in families whose economic condition was weak.
Children watching more screens have limited terminology (reserves of words) and they cross some important stages of language learning late. On the other hand, children who are more connected to books or see screen with adults found their language skills better.
However, no concrete relationship was found between screen use and physical development of children.
This study confirms earlier researches that watching more screens may have a negative effect on the language of young children. But if you share the screen with adult children and provide the right type of material, these effects can be reduced to some extent.
In the future, researchers recommend studying this subject and deeply to explain the effects of the screen.
-IANS
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