1,000 FAQ

Screen Time and Early Language Development

Screen Time and Early Language Development

A: Screen time refers to the duration of time that is spent with any screen such as phones, television, video games, computers and tablets. 

A: There are two types of screen time: active and passive screen time. Active screen time is when a person engages cognitively and/or physically in digital activities, such as fitness games and playing educational games; whereas passive screen time is when a person engages in passive, screen-based activities which involve limited creativity or interaction such as watching television or video online.

A:

  • Increase vocabulary 
  • Encourage thinking and questioning 
  • Early literacy skills

A: 

  • Physical development such as poor eyesight, dry and irritated eyes 
  • Cognitive development such as problem-solving skills 
  • Language delay 
  • Unable to recognise human emotions 
  • Weak social interaction skills 
  • Short attention span
  • Difficulty to control their frustration
  • Poor motor skills 
  • Obesity

A: For those under 2 years of age, it is best to avoid letting them in contact with any electronic screen products. If you have to introduce screen time to your child, make sure you watch it together and then talk about it and do some follow-up activities so that the screen becomes meaningful in everyday life.

A: It is important to choose media or apps that are recommended or guided by developmental specialists. This ensures that the content focuses on skills and concepts that young children are ready to learn.

A: Parents should set up parental control to manage the time your child spends on the screen and the content they are watching.

A: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), children aged 2 to 5 should not have more than 1 hour of screen time per day.

A: 

  • Play with bubbles
  • Reading
  • Go for a walk
  • Participate in daily chores
  • Play hide-and-seek
  • Music and dancing

A: Set up daily ‘screen-free’ time when the whole family participates in non-screen activities such as playing board games, reading and going out for a walk.