In today's time, screens are nearly impossible to avoid. From smartphones and tablets to televisions and laptops, they all have become an important part of our lives. For many families, especially with young children, screens are a regular part of daily life. However, a new study is sounding the alarm on what too much screen time during the early years might cost: a child’s language development.Researchers have found that excessive exposure to digital screens can hamper the way children learn to speak and understand language. Sarah Kucker, a developmental psychologist at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, explains that children learn best through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences — something screens simply can’t replicate, as reported in HealthDay News.Real-World Play Matters“When learning a new word like ‘banana,’ for instance, it is important that a child can feel its texture and see it from all angles to understand that it’s 3D and has a distinct smell,” said Kucker. “Just seeing a picture of a banana or a quick cartoon video doesn’t give the same information.”In other words, children need to touch, explore, and play with real objects to understand the world around them. That interaction is a key driver of early language and cognitive development. When screen time replaces these experiences, it can dull the richness of their learning environment.Why Early Years Are CriticalKucker stressed that the first few years of life are particularly important for building the brain’s language and social foundations. “This is a time when kiddos are forming meaningful brain and language connections that are best built through hands-on experiences,” she said.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screens altogether for children under 18 months, except for video chatting. For toddlers aged 18 to 24 months, high-quality programming with a caregiver present is encouraged. Children aged 2 to 5 should be limited to one hour of screen time per day.Not All Screen Time is HarmfulDespite the warnings, Kucker doesn’t suggest banning screens entirely. In fact, certain kinds of screen time can support learning — especially when used socially.“Video chatting with a grandparent, for example, helps kids learn back-and-forth conversations,” she said. “Two-person games like puzzles on a tablet can also promote listening, turn-taking, and language development.”The key is how the screen is used. Passive watching — where children are just staring at a screen without engagement — offers little educational benefit. But interactive and social media can have positive outcomes when paired with real-life communication.Tips for Smarter Screen UseTo help parents navigate the digital world, Kucker offered four tips to make screen time more effective:Know the why: Ask yourself why your child is using a screen. If it’s just to keep them quiet, try alternatives like sensory toys or calming techniques such as deep breathing.Be social with screens: Engage in video calls or interactive games that require conversation and participation. Shared screen time encourages communication.Choose interactive media: Look for apps and videos that ask questions or prompt your child to relate what they see to their real world.Balance with real talk: Make sure your child hears a lot of words from real people. Even talking aloud while cooking, cleaning, or running errands can help build vocabulary and understanding.As digital technology continues to shape our lives, it’s important for parents and caregivers to make mindful choices. While screens can’t be eliminated altogether, striking a balance is essential.Children need more than passive visuals. They need conversations, textures, sounds, smells, and experiences to understand the world — and language — around them. And that kind of learning still happens best in the real world, not on a screen.