As digital devices become part of everyday family life, new research suggests screen time may influence the kinds of words toddlers learn in their earliest years.
A study by researchers at Southern Methodist University examined how digital media use relates to vocabulary development in children aged 17 to 30 months. By age 2, four in 10 US children reportedly own a tablet, rising sharply by age 4, according to surveys by Common Sense Media.
Fewer body words, more furniture words
The researchers surveyed more than 380 caregivers and found that toddlers who watched more video content tended to use fewer body-part words such as “nose” or “arm”, but more words referring to furniture and people, including “mom” or “friend”.
Lead researcher Sarah Kucker noted that early vocabulary often includes nouns linked to physical objects children can touch and explore. These words form the building blocks for later sentence formation and complex language.
In a follow-up study tracking families over time, children with higher screen exposure at age 2 had smaller vocabularies by age 3, regardless of whether media was educational or co-viewed with adults.
Family habits matter
The research also found that caregivers with higher levels of conscientiousness — a personality trait linked to organisation and discipline — reported lower screen time for their children. Lower screen exposure was associated with stronger vocabulary development.
Conversely, children described as more “fussy” were more likely to spend longer periods on screens, possibly because devices are used as calming tools.
Practical guidance for parents
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages digital media use for children under 18 months, except video chatting. For ages 2 to 5, it recommends limiting screen time to about one hour per day of high-quality content.
Experts advise co-viewing and connecting on-screen content to real-life experiences. Narrating daily activities — such as grocery shopping or outdoor play — can significantly enhance language learning.
For families navigating modern parenting, the message is clear: while screens are common, meaningful real-world interaction remains essential for early language growth.