Popular technology use is excessive convenient distracting superficial fast overdone fun

Join the effort to foster healthy communication habits in a technology driven world.

The Situation

We are texting, emailing and posting more than ever – but are we truly communicating?

The technology we use every day has helped us accomplish great things, but it’s also had a profound impact on how we communicate. If current habits continue, experts are concerned overuse of popular technology could lead to diminished speech, language and hearing abilities.

68%

of 2-year-olds use tablets at home

Source

78%

of teens check their devices at least hourly

Source

4 out of 5

smartphone users check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up.

Source
The Initiative

Now that technology is woven into the fabric of everyday life, Americans need trusted advice more than ever.

The Healthy Communication and Popular Technology Initiative is an effort led by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to safeguard healthy communication in a technology-driven world. We’re a force for moderate tech use that encourages conversation, human interaction and practicing safe listening.

Join Us
Our Mission

We strive to empower parents, educators and health professionals and influencers with the tools they need to put healthy communication first.

Family eating dinner together
Provide practical advice for individuals and families to develop responsible tech habits. Create communication health awareness campaigns promoting balanced use of popular technology. Explore the impact of popular technology usage on healthy speech, language and hearing.
Join the Effort

Enter your email below to receive more information about becoming an official supporter of the Healthy Communication and Popular Technology Initiative.

    By checking this box, I am consenting to receive ongoing communications from ASHA about the Healthy Communication & Popular Technology Initiative. (required)

    You can change your mind at any time by emailing ASHA. For more information on how ASHA uses your data, please consult our Privacy Statement.

    The Risks of Popular Technology

    48 Minutes

    average amount of time spent on a mobile device per day by children under 8.

    Source

    44%

    of kids under 6 would rather play a game on a technology device than read a book or be read to.

    Source

    Every 30 Mins

    of daily screen use increased the risk of expressive speech delay in children ages 6 months to 2 years by almost 50%.

    Source

    Nearly 50%

    of 12- to 35-year-olds are exposed to unsafe sound levels from the use of personal audio devices.

    Source

    1.1 Billion

    young people are at risk of hearing loss from loud music and noise.

    Source

    72%

    of parents of children under 8 agree that loud noise from tech could lead to hearing loss in kids.

    Source
    Reset

    Reset the deck of cards to see them all again

    Tips for Managing Kids’ Safe Tech Usage

    Find at least one or two opportunities during the day—at the dinner table, for example—to create tech-free times.

    Resist overreliance on technology to pacify boredom and plan other activities to keep young children entertained.

    Don't overestimate the value of educational apps – children learn best through talking, conversing and reading.

    Make tech use a group activity, such as while playing an online game.

    Consider whether young kids really need their own devices, and try ones with features that limit content and provide extra security.

    Set daily time limits and enforce them through devices that automatically turn off or keeping track yourself.

    Be consistent in enforcing the parameters you set for tech use.

    Always practice safe listening, especially when using ear buds or headphones.

    Model the safe tech habits you want your kids to adopt.

    Learn the signs of communication disorders and seek an assessment from a speech-language pathologist or audiologist if you have any questions or concerns.

    News and Resources

    One-third of children ages 7 to 9 use social ...

    It’s not just teens but much younger kids who are also using social media. ...

    Read More November 22, 2021

    Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Kids Is a Growi ...

    Extended exposure to loud sounds seems to be starting at even younger ages. ...

    Read More November 15, 2021

    Instagram Testing 'Take a Break' Feature To R ...

    Services recognize children are developing a real problem with leaving apps. ...

    Read More November 15, 2021

    For more related content, visit ASHA Communication and Tech on Medium. Back to the Top