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Language development in preschool children is an important aspect in supporting children's cognitive, social, and emotional abilities in the future. One environmental factor that is thought to contribute to speech delay is excessive use of gadgets at an early age. This study aims to analyze the effect of gadget use on speech delay in children aged 3–5 years at the Tungoi Community Health Center. This study uses an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The study sample consisted of 50 children aged 3–5 years who met the inclusion criteria, using consecutive sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire on gadget use filled out by parents and a screening of children's speech development. Data analysis was performed univariately and bivariately using the Chi-Square test with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that most children used gadgets for more than one hour per day (70%) and more than half of the respondents experienced speech delay (56%). The Chi-Square test showed a significant relationship between gadget use and the occurrence of speech delay (p = 0.000). Children with longer gadget use had a greater risk of speech development delay compared to children with more limited gadget use. The conclusion of this study indicates that gadget use is a significant risk factor for speech delay in children aged 3–5 years. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the duration of gadget use and increase the role of parents and health workers in providing optimal verbal stimulation and assistance to support children's language development.

Language development in early childhood is a fundamental aspect in shaping children's cognitive, social, and emotional abilities. However, in today's digital era, excessive use of gadgets has become a common habit in parenting patterns, which has the potential to inhibit children's speech development. This article aims to examine the impact of gadget use on speech delays in early childhood using a literature review approach to the literature from 2020–2025. The results of the study indicate that passive interaction through gadgets, without adequate verbal guidance and stimulation, can reduce the frequency of dialogue and children's social involvement. This condition increases the risk of speech delay, expressive communication disorders, and vocabulary limitations. In addition, factors such as permissive parenting, technoference, and lack of direct verbal activity are significant contributors to obstacles to language development. Therefore, an active role is needed for parents in limiting screen time, assisting with the use of digital media, and creating an environment rich in verbal interaction. Public education and early detection are also important solutions to prevent and treat speech delays from an early age.

The development of language skills in children is an important factor in their growth. However, not all children experience language development appropriate for their age, one of which is speech delay. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence speech delay in children at RA Nurul Iman School, Beringin Jaya Village. The method used was direct observation of children experiencing speech delay, along with the delivery of educational materials to parents and teachers regarding the importance of verbal stimulation and the regulation of gadget usage. The research results show that the main factors causing speech delay in children at this school are excessive use of gadgets and a lack of verbal stimulation from parents. The study concludes that regulating gadget usage and increasing verbal stimulation from parents can help address speech delay issues in children and support their language development optimally. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness among parents about their role in supporting their children's speech development