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.
