Smartphone Warnings: Speech Disorders on the Rise in Kids, According to Health Insurance Company
Spurred on by data from their policyholders, the KKH, a German health insurance company based in Hanover, warns of speech and language development disorders in children becoming increasingly common. In 2012, one in 18 children nationwide was diagnosed with such an issue. Fast forward to 2022 and that number has nearly doubled, with almost one in twelve children now affected.
COVID-19 plays a significant part in this rise, as daycare center and school closures cause language development to stagnate for many adolescents. But there are other reasons for concern, too. Vijitha Sanjivkumar, a member of KKH's medical competence team, stresses that poor communication within families can contribute to these disorders.
"In many families, there's too little communication with the offspring, even at meal times," Sanjivkumar says. She points to the intensive usage of smartphones, PCs, and other digital media as a probable culprit, advising parents to prioritize activities that promote language development. This could be anything from reading stories aloud to singing together.
The consequences of these speech and language development issues can be severe. They can lead to difficulties in school, social interactions, and even impact long-term well-being. Genetic predisposition, undetected hearing disorders, and anatomical reasons such as a misaligned jaw are other possible origins of these speech disorders.
Sanjivkumar also emphasizes the importance of parents seeking early advice from their pediatrician, even if they suspect that their child may be developing at a slower pace. It's crucial to identify any potential issues early on to avoid serious implications in the future.
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Supporting Insights:
- While excessive digital media usage can have negative impacts on mental health, attention span, and social development, it's important to note that these tools can also provide educational and entertaining resources when used responsibly.
- Parents should engage in conversational activities with their children to boost their language skills. This could involve playing games or watching shows that encourage communication.
- Regular screen time limits help promote better balance between digital engagements and other activities that promote language and overall development in children.
