Dysorthography and screens

Screens are everywhere, and many parents wonder whether they play a part in their child’s difficulties. Do screens cause dysorthography? Can they help? The answer is nuanced. Here is what you need to know to find the right balance. Neither demonisation nor laissez-faire: balance.

Screens do not cause dysorthography

Dysorthography is a neurodevelopmental disorder, linked to how the brain functions and partly genetic. It is not caused by screens. Parents have no need to feel guilty.

A child who spends a lot of time in front of screens may have a lower level in spelling, through lack of reading and writing, but this is not a disorder. The difference is important.

Parents therefore have no need to feel guilty. The causes lie elsewhere. See the causes of dysorthography.

But they can weigh

Excessive screen use can reduce the time devoted to reading, board games and craft activities, all of which are useful for written language. Screen time takes the place of other activities.

Screens in the evening can also disrupt sleep, which is essential for memory and concentration. Sleep is essential.

For a child with dysorthography, who needs all their resources to learn, these effects can matter. These effects do matter. See dysorthography and sleep.

Leisure screens and compensatory tools

It is important to distinguish leisure screens, such as videos and games, from digital compensatory tools, such as the spell checker, voice dictation or text-to-speech. The distinction is essential.

These compensatory tools are valuable for a child with dysorthography. They help them write, read and learn. Their use has nothing to do with leisure screen time. These tools are valuable.

Do not restrict compensatory tools in the name of reducing screen time. Do not restrict them. See the software.

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Setting clear rules

For leisure screens, set clear rules suited to your child’s age: duration, permitted times, and screen-free places such as the bedroom or the dining table. Clear rules help.

Avoid screens in the evening before bedtime, to protect sleep. Also avoid screens during homework, unless they serve as a tool. The evening and homework time should be protected.

Set an example: rules are better respected when the whole family applies them. Example matters.

Positive uses

Screens can also be used positively. Fun spelling apps, e-books and documentaries can enrich learning. Screens can be positive.

Films and series in the original language with subtitles encourage reading and work on languages. Video games can also encourage reading, particularly narrative games. These uses encourage reading.

What matters is quality and time spent. Quality counts. See spelling apps.

Offering alternatives

To reduce screen time, offer appealing alternatives: board games, sport, craft activities, outings, shared reading. The alternatives must be appealing.

These activities are also beneficial for written language and for your child’s confidence. These activities are beneficial.

See extracurricular activities. Enjoyment must remain.

Finding the balance

The aim is not to ban screens, but to find a balance. Each family finds its own, depending on its values and on the child. Each family finds its balance.

Discuss the rules with your child, especially if they are older. They will respect them better if they understand them. Dialogue helps.

See routines at home. Rules evolve with age.

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Questions that keep coming up

Do screens cause dysorthography ?

No. Dysorthography is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Screens can, however, reduce reading time and disrupt sleep. They are not the cause of the disorder.