Parents and child-safety advocates have long been wary of too much technology in young children’s lives. Now, new research from Southern Methodist University suggests that spending more time in front of screens may be linked to smaller vocabularies in early childhood. These findings bring renewed attention to how digital exposure shapes language development.

In an opinion piece by a Clatskanie High School graduate and University of Oregon student, readers are invited to consider the pitfalls of digital overload. Stepping away from constant online engagement, the article suggests, can spark deeper personal interests and creativity.