Abstract / Summary
Background: Early childhood is a critical period for language acquisition, yet rising use of smartphones, tablets, and television has markedly increased screen exposure among infants and toddlers. Excessive screen use may displace parent–child interaction and verbal reinforcement, potentially impairing language development. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of excessive screen time and its association with language development in children aged 2–36 months. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 147 children aged 2–36 months attending a tertiary-care pediatric outpatient department. Screen exposure was assessed using a structured questionnaire and classified as excessive per WHO recommendations. Language development was evaluated using the language evaluation scale Trivandrum, and associations with screen time were analyzed statistically. Results: Excessive screen time was present in 109/147 children (74.1%). Language delay was observed in 33 children (22.45%) and was significantly more common among those with excessive screen time (26.61%) compared to those with normal screen time (10.53%; P=0.0441, odds ratio 3.08). Mean daily screen time was higher in children with language delay (1.21±0.78 h) than in those without delay (0.58±0.59 h; P<0.001). Screens were most frequently used to pacify or distract children (59.9%), during feeding (51.7%), and before sleep (48.9%). Conclusion: Excessive screen time is highly prevalent among children under 3 years and is significantly associated with language delay. Early parental counseling and promotion of healthy media habits from infancy may help mitigate this developmental risk.