Worrying number of children under two use screens regularly, study finds

The study, commissioned by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, has produced emerging findings showing that a worrying numbers of babies and parents are using screens in the first 1001 days of life – the critical period from pregnancy to age two.  

But the research also found a lack of guidance from health professionals for parents about screen use. 

The research was conducted by the interdisciplinary Action on Digital Device Immersive Conditions Team (iADDICT), which includes Carmen Clayton, Professor of Family and Cultural Dynamics at Leeds Trinity University, and four other academics from the University of Leeds, Aston University, and Loughborough University. 

In their survey and focus groups with more than 150 parents with babies under the age of two, screen use was reported in over 70% of babies, infants and toddlers, with some using screens for up to eight hours per day.   

In addition, the research team reviewed thousands of studies, finding a growing body of evidence linking higher screen use in babies to poorer developmental outcomes. These include increased risk of obesity, increased risk of short-sightedness, sleep difficulties, language delay and later challenges with friendships.   

Professor Clayton, who has been leading national efforts to improve support for parents across a range of issues, including screen use, believes this is a reminder of the discrepancies between government guidance and the real challenges parents face on a daily basis.  

She said: “Almost two thirds of the parents we heard from were concerned about their own screen use and over half saw their baby’s screen use as problematic. Despite this clear concern from parents, 85% received no guidance about screen time from health professionals.” 

Will Quince, former Education and Health Minister and now the Chief Executive of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation said: “Parents are doing their best in a world where screens are everywhere, often while juggling stress, exhaustion and limited support.  

“We welcomed the government’s guidance, but our research shows a clear reality gap between that guidance and everyday life. To go beyond advice, we would like to see Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies services funded in every local authority. This would give parents the option to choose in-person connection over digital connection.” 

The full report will be available in the coming weeks.