Screen Time for Supporting Language and Literacy

The following is provided by the Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education

Technology use is increasing rapidly, leaving many families with questions about screen time, what makes a quality app, and how technology can support children’s learning. The good news is that, when used well, technology can boost your child’s language, literacy, and overall development.

But how can we use technology to support children’s learning, especially their language and literacy development? The sections below share ways families can engage with technology alongside their children, as well as research-backed guidance for choosing quality educational apps.

Screen Time

The American Academy of Pediatrics (2020) recommends no screen time for children under age two and no more than 1 hour per day for children ages two to five. Too much screen time can negatively affect development, such as lowering behavioral control, disrupting sleep, or raising the risk of obesity. Families can maximize screen time by choosing quality educational apps and engaging with their child while using them.

Quality Apps

Quality apps are:

• Interactive – let children tap, swipe, speak, or
• Multisensory – use pictures, sounds, and text to keep children
• Explicit – provide clear instructions and definitions children can
• Appropriate – match your child’s age, abilities, interests, and

One example app that meets these criteria is Wonder Red’s Rhyme Racer. Resources like Common Sense Media also review apps to help families find strong educational choices.

Your Role

Family members are a child’s first and most important teachers. If you engage with your child while they are using technology, they benefit more. Here are some ways you can engage!

• During eBooks/Story Apps – Talking, reading, and writing together builds vocabulary and supports oral language, sound awareness, letter knowledge, and writing skills.
• During Early Writing – Notice scribbles and drawings as early writing/drawing, ask children what their drawing/writing means, and use tools like Book Creator to support recording ideas, copying letters, and identifying sounds.
• During Reading Apps – Sit with your child to talk about characters and events in the story, point out highlighted text, ask questions about the story, and expand on new

Technology is here to stay, but with a little guidance, it can be a powerful tool for learning. By choosing quality apps and joining your child in play, talk, and discovery, you can make screen time a meaningful way to support their language and literacy growth.

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