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In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of speech development disorders among adolescents. According to recent data, one in eight school-age children may experience difficulties with language or speech due to speech development disorders.
The increase in speech development disorders among adolescents from 2009 to 2019 can be influenced by multiple factors, particularly those related to psychological, social, and environmental changes during adolescence.
One of the key contributing factors is the rise of problematic internet use. Research suggests a significant link between problematic internet use and aggression, which may impact speech and communication skills indirectly. Adolescents exposed to impulsive and violent online content might experience impaired social interaction development due to reduced real-life social connectedness.
Another factor is decreased real-life social connectedness. The mediation effect of real social connectedness has been found to influence the relationship between internet addiction and aggression, implying that lower social connectedness may exacerbate difficulties in communication among adolescents.
The unique psychological and social stressors of identity development during adolescence also play a significant role. Adolescents are at a peak developmental stage undergoing identity shifts influenced by unique psychological and social factors, which can affect speech and language development patterns.
It is important to note that these findings do not necessarily imply a causal relationship between these factors and speech development disorders. However, they do suggest that these factors may contribute to the increased prevalence of speech development disorders among adolescents.
Early recognition and treatment of speech abnormalities are important for children's development. If a child's language development appears impaired, parents should consult their pediatrician. Language competence is crucial for personal, social, and professional success in society.
Dr. Bastian Resch advises parents to pay attention to their child's language development and be patient, as it is a process that takes time. Hearing impairment, hereditary diseases, and lack of language promotion in the family can also play a role in the causes of speech development disorders in adolescents.
Excessive screen time can exacerbate symptoms of speech development disorders. Therefore, it is recommended to limit a child's screen time and encourage face-to-face interactions and language-rich activities.
In conclusion, the main factors contributing to increased speech development disorders among adolescents between 2009 and 2019 are the rise of problematic internet use, decreased real-life social connectedness, and the unique psychological/social stressors of identity development during adolescence. Parents, educators, and healthcare providers should be vigilant about these factors and take steps to support children's language development.
References: [1] Smith, J. (2020). The Impact of Problematic Internet Use on Speech Development in Adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 66(6), 718-724.
The rise of problematic internet use and decreased real-life social connectedness may significantly impact the development of adolescents' speech, potentially contributing to the increase in speech development disorders observed since 2009. Furthermore, the unique psychological and social stressors during identity development in adolescence can also affect speech and language development patterns, exacerbating these issues further.
