Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018
465. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE has noted possible links between the need for speech therapy and increased usage of smartphones among children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4517/18]
View answerThe HSE has advised me that it has not noted any definitive link between the use of smart phones among children and the need for speech and language therapy. That said, I am aware that some international studies have highlighted concerns relating to the impact of smartphones on child speech development.
In relation the provision of speech and language services by the HSE, I understand that the services provided continue to promote the use of two way communication to encourage language development in young children through nursery rhymes, books and play activities, etc. Such activities are considered to be preferable to the use of electronic devices.
However, it is important to highlight that speech and language therapists can and do use a variety of communication apps in working with and supporting people with speech, language or communication difficulties. Smartphone apps can for example be extremely useful to support communication for people with conditions such as motor neurone disease .
My Department is mindful of the impact of screen time, not only on speech and language development but in relation to general health and well being. To that end, a new child obesity campaign, called START, developed by the Department of Health with Safefood and the HSE is underway which aims to deliver a system-wide approach to tackling overweight and obesity. This campaign includes advice to parents on encouraging healthy habits, including promoting less screen time for families and children.
