Our computer-fixated children lost for words

After the latest Growing Up In Ireland report, the media picked up on childhood obesity, but there was less mention of a more serious issue: one in five children has a speech or language problem.

As more parents get caught up in the virtual world of social media and computer games, and always using their phones, they have little time to chat with their children. When parents have to choose between their children or their phones, in many cases the phones win out.

Some parents, despite the advice of paediatric professionals, are giving computer games and i-pads to children aged under four. Admittedly, this is a great way to keep them quiet, but don’t be surprised if your child can’t speak properly, can’t read facial expressions, and becomes withdrawn.