The findings are from an American study in the latest edition of the Archives of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. It is based on the experiences of children aged between two months and four years.
The study shows that for every hour the television was on parents said between 500 and 1,000 fewer words to their children. This equates to 770 words dropped over the course of a typical day. The report states that "these results may explain the association between infant television exposure and delayed language development".
But Mary Hartshorne, head of expert advisory services at UK communication charity I Can, said television can be a positive language development tool if used responsibly.
"Television will be a negative influence on children if it is used as an ‘electronic babysitter' or if it is consistently on in the background," she said. "However television can actually be a helpful tool in helping children express themselves and increase their comprehension and vocabulary."
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