ALMOST TWO million children - one in five - are struggling with speech and language problems - a rise of more than a quarter since Covid lockdown measures were introduced.

The increase - 200,000 each year since 2021 - is being blamed on the ongoing impact of lockdown measures which led to widespread mask wearing and reduced socialisation. Experts say the cost of living crisis is compounding the problem with children less likely to have new experiences needed to help them learn new words.

The figures come as educational experts express fears for ‘lockdown babies’ at risk of social and emotional difficulties as they start school this month.

Jane Harris, CEO of the children’s communication charity, Speech and Language UK, said: “Children need new experiences to learn new words. There is a definite link between lockdown and the rising numbers of children with speech and language problems and also the impact of the cost of living crisis as working parents and schools are less able to afford trips and experiences."

She said she fears the figures, drawn from a survey of 1,000 teachers by the charity, will continue to rise: “This really is a dreadful situation that is not being taken seriously enough. The factors that led to these problems among children are still there, and while the problems are reversible with the right support, basic training and support in schools and nurseries is wholly inadequate.”

Speech and language specialist Sandra Chappell said: “Social interaction is the foundation for speech and language development and so many parents were working from home during lockdown and resorting to using screens instead of playing or going out. Every hour of screen time has an impact on speech and language which develops with a back and forth interaction. Children couldn’t go to libraries, play areas and as a consequence many have a limited range of vocabulary today.”

She added: “If you are struggling to talk, it is hard to make friends. This affects your mental health and this can have a lasting impact on your academic success and employment prospects that can last for decades.”

Children with speech and language problems are six times more likely to fail an English test aged 11 and over ten times more likely to fail a maths test at the same age.

They are also twice as likely to have a mental health problem and twice as likely to be unemployed in later life.

At the start of the autumn school term teachers have been reporting a rise in the numbers of reception children unable to take turns, following routines, listening in class biting one another, throwing things and spitting.

One teacher said: “They don’t have the vocabulary to express what they are feeling.”