Influence of electronic media on speech and language delay in children

Abstract

Background: An electronic media in the form of television, mobile phones, computers, and tablets has become an integral part of many households and has both positive and negative influences on the child. The duration spent by children on electronic media has drastically increased leading to decreased vocabulary, attention span, and overall decrease in child-parent interaction leading to speech and language delay. Aims: We aimed to study the duration of electronic media usage and influence on the speech and language delay in children between 6 months and 6 years. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted after institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent. The duration of use of media and its effect on speech and language delay was assessed using the Language Evaluation Scale Trivandrum and hyperactivity by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Statistical analysis was done using MedCalc. Results: Four hundred and twenty-five children were enrolled. 3-6-year-old children from joint and extended families and from upper-middle and upper socioeconomic status used more media. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was seen in 9.4% of children using media. Speech and language delay was seen among 28.4% of children who used media for more than 3 h. Conclusions: The prolonged duration of electronic media for more than 3 h is associated with speech and language delay in children. Mobile media provides more interaction than passive television viewing, and the risk of speech delay is more in prolonged television viewing. Hyperactivity (ADHD) is seen more in children using electronic media.