We live in a digital world. Screens are part of how we work, connect, relax, and learn. In 2024, parents reported checking their phones an average of 60 times a day¹! Most of us don’t even realize how often we reach for our devices.

Let’s look at what the use of screens at home means for your child, especially when it comes to learning language.

Children, Screens, and Language: What the Research Tells Us

Children learn language within enjoyable back-and-forth interactions with the important people in their lives. Everyday interactions―during meals, playtime, getting dressed, or reading together―offer opportunities for learning to communicate.

Observe, Wait, and Listen™ is an important Hanen strategy you can use during every interaction with your child. When you Observe, Wait and Listen™, you give your child a chance to start an interaction so they can communicate about what interests them². Observing, Waiting and Listening makes it more likely that you notice their interests, follow their lead, and respond in ways that keep the interaction going. These back-and-forth interactions offer your child more opportunities to take turns within the interaction.

Research shows that the amount of turn-taking interaction a child experiences is one of the strongest predictors of language development¹.

Adults are talking less than they used to, and increases in screen use may explain this trend¹. Researchers use the term technoference to describe technology interfering with everyday interactions¹. This might involve checking a message or scrolling on social media while you’re with your child. Even small interruptions can reduce opportunities for back-and-forth interaction. 

Researchers also noted:

• More screen time at age 2 is linked to slower language development at ages 2 and 5¹.
• Young children learn less from screens than from real-life experiences¹.

The good news? You are your child’s most important language teacher! Small, intentional shifts in how screens are used during everyday activities can create more opportunities for connection, interaction and communication.

Practical Tips for More Intentional Screen Use

1. Set Positive Goals

When making changes, focus on what you will do.

Instead of:

   ⓧ  I won’t let my child use screens.

   ⓧ  I won’t use my phone in front of my child.

Try:

   ✓  When my child has screen time, I’ll watch and talk with them about it.

   ✓  I will put my phone away during meals.

Positive goals are more realistic and easier to stick with.

2. Make Screen Time Count

If your child is using screens, you can help make that time meaningful.

Choose high-quality content.
Look for programs that are educational and appropriate for their age. Resources like Common Sense Media can help you evaluate the quality of shows and apps¹.

Watch together and talk about it.

When you and your child watch digital content together, take time to talk about it. This leads to better understanding and memory than if your child were to watch that content alone¹. You can:

• Make comments: “That dog looks scared.”
• Ask open-ended questions: “What do you think will happen next?”
• Connect to real life: “We saw an excavator like that!”
• Talk about it later: “Let’s make pancakes like they did in the show!”

3. Create Screen-Free Zones

Set specific times to unplug, such as:

• Mealtimes
• Bedtime routines
• Bathtime
• Playtime

These everyday activities are powerful opportunities for interaction, so it helps to keep them free from technoference.

Simple visual reminders (like placing phones in a basket during meals) can help. Consider turning off the TV when no one’s watching because it is likely to interrupt play and reduce the amount of conversation¹.

4. Use Your Screen “Out Loud”

When you need to use your device, talk about what you’re doing:

• “I’m texting Grandma to tell her I will call her later.”
• “I’m checking the weather to see if it’s going to rain.”

If your child is interested in print, show them the message and read it aloud while pointing to the words. This keeps you connected and turns screen use into a learning opportunity.

5. Create a Family Media Plan

Think through how screens fit into your family life:

• When will we use digital media?
• What content is okay?
• How will we watch together?
• What can we do instead of looking at screens?¹

Having alternatives ready like books, puzzles, craft supplies or outdoor play ideas makes it easier to say, “Let’s do this instead.”

You can create a personalized Family Media Plan here.

Making Space for Conversation

While screens are part of everyday life, it’s best if they don’t replace the conversations that help children learn to communicate. By being thoughtful about when and how screens are used, you can create more opportunities for back-and-forth interaction. And those small, everyday moments can make a big difference in your child’s language learning.