SCREEN TIME EXPOSURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF COGNITIVE LINGUISTIC ABILITIES

Abstract

The swift rise of screen media in the lives of young children has sparked important discussions about how it affects their cognitive and language development. Research shows that too much screen time, especially when it starts early and involves just passive watching, can negatively impact things like speech development, vocabulary growth, and even cognitive skills like attention and executive function. But it’s not all black and white; the effects can vary greatly depending on factors like the quality of the content, how involved caregivers are, and the context in which screens are used. When educational and interactive media are paired with active parental engagement, they can actually help boost language and cognitive skills. This chapter dives deep into the latest research on how screen time influences cognitive and linguistic development, highlighting the mechanisms at play, potential risks, protective factors, and practical advice for caregivers and professionals.