For millions of parents, the daily routine of caring for a young child can be a minefield of conflicting advice – but when it comes to screen time, new evidence suggests that we've been getting it wrong. A groundbreaking study has found that regular exposure to digital devices in babies and toddlers under two can have long-term negative impacts on their health and wellbeing.
Researchers from four UK universities have conducted the most comprehensive global analysis to date, reviewing 32 studies and involving over 25,000 participants. Led by the Action on Digital Device Immersive Conditions Team (ADDIC Team), the study highlights a 'baby blind spot' in current policy, with an emphasis on older children's digital habits.
Rafe Clayton, co-lead of the research and senior lecturer in media and communication at the University of Leeds, expressed concern that parents often lack clear guidance on screen time for their under-twos. He warned that without a shift in this dynamic, families may inadvertently be fostering unhealthy relationships with screens in their young children.
The review calls for the government to re-evaluate its recently issued guidance on screen time for under-fives. While current advice recommends avoiding screens for under-twos, it includes a caveat for 'shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation'. However, the new study suggests this could be misinterpreted by parents, potentially leading them to believe that screen time for infants is safe or even beneficial.
Researchers are clear: no under-twee should receive regular intentional screen time. They argue that adding deliberate screen use to passive exposure compounds risk without any meaningful benefit. The potential harms associated with screen use in infancy include reduced opportunities for bonding, less time for essential physical play, and inhibited language development.
The study also raises concerns about increased overstimulation, difficulties with sleep, implications for eye health, and a potential link to childhood obesity. Moreover, researchers worry that infants may be turning to digital devices for comfort rather than seeking solace from a parent or caregiver.