Picture a parent scrolling on their phone while their child plays nearby. This common scene might seem harmless – after all, smartphones are a part of everyday life.

But recent research suggests that a parent’s phone use could have implications for their child’s language development.

A recent study examined how parents’ phone use affects the amount of language input children receive. This research provides insights that can help prepare you for discussions with parents of young children with communication difficulties.

What the Research Found

Mikhelson et al. (2024) collected real-world data from 12 parent-infant pairs using wearable sensors and audio tools. The researchers analyzed over 16,000 minutes of interactions in home settings recorded over one week.

Here are some of the key findings: 

• Reduced Language Input During Phone Use
  When parents used their phones, they spoke 16% less to their children. Interestingly, shorter periods of phone use (1–2 minutes) had an even greater effect, with a 26% decrease in language input.
• Timing Matters
  The reduction in language input was most noticeable during key moments of daily life, like mealtimes, and in the mid-afternoon – times when parents are often more actively engaging with their child.
• Potential Developmental Effects
  The amount of language an infant hears from their parents plays a critical role in their vocabulary growth and cognitive development. Reduced language input during important developmental periods could potentially affect a child’s language acquisition.

Clinical Implications

In my clinical work, I often talk with parents who are concerned about how their young child’s screentime affects their communication development.

This study tells me I may need to extend that discussion further and get parents thinking about how their own screentime affects their child.

I could say: “This may be a strange question, but how much time do you think you spend on your phone when you are with your child?” This will likely lead to a conversation in which I share the study’s findings and guide parents to reflect on what this means for them.

Thinking Ahead

Take a moment now and think about how you might use this study’s findings in an upcoming clinical practicum, or once you graduate. How would you discuss this topic with parents you are coaching?

Did you know? The It Takes Two to Talk® certification workshop gives you with the training and skills you need to offer effective coaching, including guiding parents through important conversations. You are eligible to take It Takes Two to Talk training even while you are student. Learn more about the student subsidy for the It Takes Two to Talk workshop.