A surge in speech and language issues among children has been attributed to factors like poverty, the Covid pandemic, and increased screen time, according to a warning from Speech and Language UK’s Chief Executive, Jane Harris. Harris has called on government officials to address the growing concerns as a fifth of children are currently facing challenges with speech and language, marking a record high.
Nearly half of the children experiencing speech difficulties have related conditions like neurodivergence or disabilities. Harris emphasized the critical need for early intervention, stating that children struggling with communication skills may face obstacles in learning, socializing, and expressing emotions effectively.
Harris highlighted that various factors, such as widespread poverty and the impact of the pandemic, have contributed to this concerning trend. While acknowledging that screen time alone is not to blame, she noted that the substitution of real-world experiences with digital devices has played a role in hindering children’s development.
She underscored the importance of providing adequate support to children struggling with speech issues, emphasizing that these challenges are not limited to early childhood but also affect teenagers, impacting their social interactions and mental well-being. Harris proposed increased training for teachers in speech and language support, advocating for ongoing professional development in this area.
In anticipation of the government’s forthcoming SEND white paper, Harris called for the inclusion of measures to enhance training for teachers, establish specialist hubs in schools staffed by trained professionals, and offer courses to educate parents on supporting children with speech and language difficulties. The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, is set to unveil significant reforms to the SEND system in response to longstanding calls for improvement.
School Standards Minister Georgia Gould highlighted ongoing efforts to address these issues, including initiatives like the Best Start Family Hubs program. She attributed the rise in children’s problems to the closure of essential family support services, like Sure Start centers, under previous administrations.
Gould emphasized the importance of engaging with families, experts, and educators to shape the upcoming SEND white paper and address the pressing needs of children with speech and language challenges. A Department for Education spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to reforming the SEND system to better support all children and rebuild parental trust.