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During a child's first few years of life, they are rapidly developing communication skills. Whether by smiling, cooing and babbling, pointing and gesturing, or saying their first words, children express themselves from birth. But a year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic and no solid end in sight, some families wonder whether continuous use of face masks by daycare providers, preschool teachers, and other adults may negatively affect their child's speech and language development.
While this is a natural concern, there is no known evidence that use of face masks interferes with speech and language development or social communication. Plus, children can still get plenty of face time at home with mask-free family members.
A key part of learning to communicate for a child is watching the faces, mouths, and expressions of the people closest to them. Babies and young children study faces intently, so the concern about solid masks covering the face is understandable. However, there are no known studies that use of a face mask negatively impacts a child's speech and language development.
And consider this: visually impaired children develop speech and language skills at the same rate as their peers. In fact, when one sense is taken away, the others may be heightened. Young children will use other clues provided to them to understand and learn language. They will watch gestures, hear changes in tone of voice, see eyes convey emotions, and listen to words.
Some ways that people who wear face masks can help when they interact with your child:
Get the child's attention before talking
Face the child directly and make sure nothing is blocking the child's view
Speak slowly and slightly louder (without shouting)
Ensure a child is using hearing aids or using other hearing devices, if they have been prescribed
Use eyes, hands, body language, and changes in tone of voice to add information to speech
Ask the child if they understood; repeat words and sentences when necessary
Reduce noise and reduce distractions
You can share these tips with your child's day care provider, preschool, and others who regularly interact with your child while wearing masks.
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