Austin, 03 July 2024 – A new study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin has found that children of mothers who are heavily addicted to smartphones tend to speak less. The research, published in the journal Child Development, highlights a significant concern regarding the impact of smartphone usage on early childhood language development.

The study focused on mothers and their infants, with an average age of four months. Detailed data on the behavior of 16 mothers and their children was collected over the span of one week. The research revealed that many women with young children spend an average of four and a half hours on their phones each day. 

The analysis showed that mothers who frequently used their smartphones talked to their children 26 percent less. This reduction in verbal interaction was linked to hindered language development in the children. The study found that mothers who spent several minutes at a time on their phones significantly reduced the amount of time they spent talking to their infants.

Given the findings, researchers strongly advise new mothers to limit their phone usage to promote better language development in their children. The lack of verbal interaction due to excessive phone use can delay language acquisition and negatively impact communication skills in young children.

The study underscores the importance of face-to-face communication between mothers and their children. As smartphone addiction continues to rise, it is crucial for parents to be mindful of their screen time, especially during the critical stages of their children's language development. By reducing phone usage, mothers can ensure they provide the necessary verbal engagement that fosters their children's linguistic and cognitive growth.