Finding the Balance...
WORDS: Jennifer Colombo, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Advances in technology have certainly made our lives easier.
Most questions we have can be answered instantly. Simply ask
Siri to answer your query at any given time. And if you are lost
whilst on a journey, directions are easily accessed.
Not only has technology helped us, it is always there to provide us
with unlimited entertainment. Social media and texting allow us to
stay in touch with others, without ever requiring us to directly interact.
But is this reliance on technology impacting the communication skills
of our children?
Although research regarding the specic effects technology has on a
young person’s developing brain IS ongoing, we do know that human
interactions are critical to developing adequate speech and language
skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests responsible use
of technology indicating the following:
• Limited to no screen time for children 18 months and younger.
• Limit solo viewing - even with educational media. Caregivers are
encouraged to engage with the child while viewing.
•
media.
and apps before allowing children to use them.
• Create media plans for your children based on their individual
The American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) conducted
surveys of parents who have two-year-olds regarding technology use.
They discovered that 68% of those surveyed use tablets. Meanwhile,
59% use smartphones, and 44% use video game consoles.
The primary concern is nding a balance and establishing healthy
media guidelines. It is important to ensure that technology is not
interfering with sleep, exercise, healthy eating patterns, and overall
quality face to face family time.
Jennifer Colombo, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner of Therapeutic Potentials, Inc.
www.TPIKids.com
ASHA provides the following suggestions to create alternatives to
technology, and managing usage:
1. Play with toys that inspire creativity-crafts, dress up, building
activities.
2. Include your child in daily chores.
3. Create tech free times such as no technology at the dinner table
4. Read and share stories.
5. Join in and play with your children-promote and engage them in
make-believe play.
6. Play outside and allow messy play.
7. Play board games that promote social communication.
8. Model good tech habits for your children. They learn from
watching adults.
Although, advances in technology can positively facilitate learning, it
continues to remain critical that children have sufcient opportunities
to develop their vocabulary and communication skills by listening,
talking, reading, and interacting with their parents and others.
Incorporating media use plans through sites such as www.
healthychildren.org will provide your family with a means to nd
a reasonable and healthy balance between technology and
face-to-face communication.