Want to spur your child’s intellectual development? Use audiobooks instead of videos

Unlike videos, audiobooks require greater use of the imagination. Adobe Stock Photo by Andrey Vyshedskiy, Boston University It’s not uncommon today to see children glued to their screens. In fact, 80% of parents with children 11 or younger say their kids watch YouTube videos, according to a 2020 Pew Research Center poll. Half of these parents say their kids watch videos every day – some even several times a day. But staring at a screen for too long can negatively impact children’s well-being – even creating dependency. According to research, kids demonstrate less curiosity, self-control and emotional stability when their screen time surpasses one hour a day. They are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression and suffer from sleep disruptions, obesity and impaired social skills. Even short, fast-paced videos have consequences, impacting the self-regulation and working memory of young children. I believe it is essential to explore how to use technology in a way that can positively impact children’s ability to think and communicate. Audiobooks present a compelling case. Starting around three and a half years of age, most children can comprehend simple stories and fairy tales. Audiobooks can be particularly useful during car rides, bedtime routine and...