Speech and Language Therapy
Date of issue: November 2023
Date reviewed: xxx
Review due: xxx
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published.
Things to consider:
- Too much screen time can be harmful – current recommendations are no more than half an hour for under twos and no more than an hour for 3-5s
- If no one is really watching – turn the TV off! Constant background noise can affect attention and listening skills.
- Limit your child to viewing only those programmes recommended for their age.
- Let them watch the same programmes over and over – the repetition of the same vocabulary will help them learn and remember.
- Watch programmes together so you can talk about them and incorporate themes into playtime.
- Don’t put a TV in a child’s bedroom – you won’t be able to limit screen time or see what they are watching.
- Be mindful of setting an example – adults who are always on their phones/tablets/watching TV miss out on what’s happening and children will only learn to copy that behaviour.
- Watching screens before bedtime can affect sleep quality.
Watch this
Using technology with 0 to 3 year olds | Words for Life
Advice line
You can call our Advice Line for more information Thursdays between 10am and 12noon
East Fife: 01592 717569
West Fife: 01592 645234
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
You can also find health related information on many topics in an Easy Read format on nhsinform.scot.
