"Screen time" (TV, tablets) has been demonstrated to be harmful to childhood development in children younger than 2. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends ZERO screen time for children younger than two (this includes background TV).

Some carefully planned educational programs like Sesame Street have shown to be beneficial in older children. Screen time should be minimized though, as it isn't a replacement for interaction.

Does do read the article, it teaches the parent to avoid commands like "put your shoes on" and instead substitute interactive talk like "we are getting ready to go out, what do you need to do to get ready?" That lets the child reply with "shoes" or "coat." It is about interacting with your child.

Conversation needs to be interactive and needs to respond to what the child is saying.

You need to repeat what the infant is saying. This is to let the infant know that you've heard them, and understood what they said. It's also to model correct pronunciation without criticising. And you then spin off the conversation to thinking and imagination and play.

"Look! A fire emiGGen!!"

"Yes! It's a fire engine! What do you think they're doing?"

(The 'sing song' voice we use to speak to young children feels silly. But apparently it's important.)

Television and tablets have their place, I guess. Some of the CBeebies content (Children's tv from the BBC) is good. And children need some empty relaxing time.