Sherry Miller, Speech-Language Pathologist for Ada schools, offers guidance for parents during May's Better Hearing and Speech Month.

With new evidence showing a majority of young children in the United States use personal technology such as smartphones and tablets, it is important that parents ensure technology is not overtaking time for talking, reading, and other verbal communication—which are the primary ways that children learn.

Miller encourages Icon viewers to set meaningful limits on technology use, especially for young children.

On Friday, May 8, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) will release new figures that show just how much of a presence personal technology devices are in the lives of children ages 0–8, as well as parental concerns about the impact of this technology on their child’s speech and language development, academic success, behavior, and other areas.

The survey will also reveal whether parents feel technology impacts the quality and quantity of conversations with kids, as well as where and when kids most often use this technology.

“While technology offers positive potential in many areas, it is important that young children are spending the majority of their time listening and conversing with others, as well as engaging in imaginative play and outdoor activities—all of which help them learn and develop,” said Miller.

“Parents can take steps to manage tech time by setting daily time limits, establishing tech-free settings such as the dinner table, and considering whether a young child really needs his or her own device, as many now have,” she says.

“The summer months, which may include events such as long vacation drives, provide ample opportunities for communication that parents should try to take advantage of,” she adds.

Regardless of their child’s level of technology use, parents should familiarize themselves with the early signs of speech and language disorders, which are growing causes of disability among U.S. children, according to a 2014 study in the journal Pediatrics. Parents can review these signs at http://IdentifytheSigns.org.

With early treatment, many of these disorders can be reversed or even prevented, so parents should not delay seeking anassessment from a certified speech-language pathologist if they have any
questions about their child’s communication skills.