Children’s vocabulary shrinking as reading loses out to screen time, says Susie Dent

Renowned Countdown lexicographer Susie Dent warned families across the United Kingdom this week that children’s vocabularies are significantly shrinking due to excessive screen time displacing traditional reading habits. Speaking in an exclusive interview on January 11, 2026, Dent urged parents to re-engage with their children through verbal storytelling and word games to counteract the linguistic decline observed in the younger generation. The intervention follows growing concerns among educators and developmental experts regarding the long-term impact of digital consumption on literacy and social communication. Dent, a staple of British television known for her linguistic expertise, highlighted that the passive nature of scrolling through social media or watching short-form videos often lacks the structural complexity found in books. According to Dent, the diversity of language that children are exposed to in print is essential for building a robust mental lexicon, which in turn facilitates better critical thinking and emotional expression. She noted that when children primarily communicate through digital shorthand and emojis, they lose the ability to articulate nuanced thoughts and complex feelings. To bridge this widening gap, the lexicographer is advocating for a return to simple, interactive family activities. This includes the regular practice of reading aloud, playing classic board games, and engaging in "kitchen table" conversations that challenge children to use new words. Dent emphasized that language development is a social process that requires active participation rather than just digital observation. By integrating these habits into daily routines, families can help restore the linguistic richness that has historically been a cornerstone of childhood education and personal growth.