An uptick in speech and language problems among children has been linked to poverty, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the prevalence of screen-based activities, a leading expert has cautioned. Jane Harris, the Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK, has urged government action as a significant number of children are struggling with communication issues, with one in five experiencing difficulties – a concerning high.
Harris emphasized that these challenges are not limited to early childhood but also affect teenagers, impacting their social interactions and emotional expression, potentially leading to mental health issues. She stressed the importance of providing adequate support to these children to prevent long-term repercussions on their education and well-being.
The rise in speech issues is compounded by factors like poverty and increased screen time, which have limited children’s exposure to essential real-world experiences crucial for their development. While acknowledging the role of screens in modern life, Harris highlighted the need for a balance to ensure children engage in meaningful interactions and activities that foster communication skills.
To address this growing concern, Harris proposed enhancing teacher training to include more focus on speech and language support, advocating for annual training days dedicated to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She also recommended the establishment of specialized hubs in schools staffed by trained professionals and the provision of courses to educate parents on aiding their children’s communication development.
These recommendations align with the upcoming release of the Government’s SEND white paper, spearheaded by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, aiming to revamp the struggling SEND system. Efforts are already underway, including the implementation of Best Start Family Hubs and curriculum enhancements, to better support children with communication difficulties.
In response to these challenges, Schools Standards Minister Georgia Gould highlighted the impact of past policy decisions, pointing to the closure of Sure Start centers as a contributing factor to the current issues faced by children. Gould emphasized the importance of addressing speech and language needs as a priority in the forthcoming SEND reforms, reflecting the feedback received from stakeholders across the country.
The Department for Education underscored its commitment to overhauling the SEND system to deliver improved outcomes for all children, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement and feedback in shaping a more effective and sustainable support framework.