The other day I heard a parent say “But my child learns so much from the tablet…” In reality, screens are now part of daily life — during meals, car rides, waiting times, or when parents need a quick break. However, research has raised an important concern: as little as 30 minutes of handheld screen time daily may be linked to a 49% increased risk of expressive language delay in young children.
This does not mean parents should panic. We just need to be aware of what’s going on and find a balance. We need to support our children and not to feel guilty about something we did not know.
So why does screen time affect language? Well, children learn to talk by interacting with people. They need to hear us talk, see our faces, take turns to respond and practice using words in real life situations.
Tablets and phones can show them pictures and sounds. But they cannot replace the real thing like eye contact, attention, emotions and talking back and forth. If children spend much time on screens they might start talking less, responding less and preferring screens over people. They might even get frustrated when we take the screen away.
How ABA-VB Can Help
At Autism Recovery Network (ARN), we support children who struggle with communication, attention, flexibility, and social engagement — including children who have become highly dependent on screens.
Instead of only removing the screen, ABA-VB helps children build skills such as:
- functional communication
- play skills
- listening and attention
- turn-taking
- social engagement
- flexibility during transitions
- tolerating “no” or waiting
For example if a child gets upset when we take the tablet away, ABA-VB principles can teach them to ask for things, transition calmly and have fun interacting with people.
The goal is simple: help children see that people play, and communication can be fun and meaningful too.
Here are some tips for parents:
- Choose to interact with your child than just allowing watching them watch screens by themselves. Talk to them during meals, bath time and daily routines.
- Watch screens with your child. Make it a social activity. Comment on what you see and ask simple questions but do not overdo. Always remember, watching the screen has to be fun activity with you than without you.
- Create times when there are no screens. Start with meals, bedtime or short play routines.
- Encourage your child to learn through play. Use toys pretend play, art, music, movement and outdoor activities.
- If you think your child is having trouble talking or paying attention do not wait. Get help early.
Final Thoughts:
“Screens” are not all bad, but communication develops best through human interaction and connection. They learn to talk by interacting with people through play and conversations. Not just by watching screens. With the proper support children can learn to communicate, engage and enjoy the world beyond the screen.
If your child is struggling to speak, respond or engage, ABA therapy can help build the foundation for communication. Book for our 30 minutes free-consultation, as early support makes a big difference.
