UK Study Warns Screen Time May Harm Development of Children Under Two
Key Developments:
- A comprehensive UK review recommends avoiding intentional screen exposure for children under the age of two due to potential developmental risks.
- Researchers found associations between early screen use and delayed language development, poorer sleep, reduced parent-child interaction and possible long-term health concerns.
- Experts are urging governments to strengthen guidance for parents and introduce early risk assessments to support healthy child development.
LONDON (The Irish Times) — June 28, 2026: A major review conducted by researchers from four British universities has concluded that regular intentional screen exposure for children under the age of two should be avoided, citing growing evidence that excessive use of digital devices may be associated with developmental and health concerns during early childhood.
The study, described by researchers as one of the most comprehensive analyses to date, examined global scientific evidence on the effects of smartphones, tablets, televisions and other digital screens on infants and toddlers. While the review did not establish direct cause-and-effect relationships, it found consistent associations between early screen exposure and a range of developmental challenges.
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According to the researchers, intentional screen use during the first two years of life may reduce opportunities for face-to-face interaction with parents and caregivers, limit physical play and language development, disrupt sleep patterns, contribute to overstimulation and potentially affect eye health and increase the risk of childhood obesity.
The report concluded that “no under-twos should receive regular intentional screen time. Passive exposure is societally unavoidable, so adding deliberate use compounds risk without any meaningful benefit.”
Researchers also warned that existing guidance allowing limited shared screen use could be misunderstood by parents.
The new study warns of potential harms associated with screen time for babies. Photograph: iStock.
The study stated: “This could potentially lead caregivers to believe that screen time for the under-twos is without developmental harm, which may result in an exacerbation of developmental delays and isolating behaviours for those who are already at greater risk.”
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The research was carried out by the Action on Digital Device Immersive Conditions Team, comprising experts from the Universities of Leeds, Leeds Trinity, Loughborough and Aston.
Co-lead researcher Professor Carmen Clayton of Leeds Trinity University said governments should improve public awareness while supporting parents rather than blaming them.
“The government must consider how to engage with families better about problematic screen use, whilst being sensitive to the fear of judgment that many parents face when opening up about such issues,” she said.
Senior lecturer Rafe Clayton from the University of Leeds said many parents unintentionally model unhealthy digital habits for young children.
“This has to change,” he said while calling for clearer guidance on screen use within families.
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The researchers have recommended introducing a “baby screen-time risk assessment” that could help healthcare professionals identify children who may be at greater developmental risk and provide families with targeted support.
The review also highlights concerns that some infants are increasingly being comforted using digital devices instead of direct interaction with parents or caregivers, a practice researchers believe may influence emotional and social development over time.
Screen time can reduce babies’ opportunities for physical play and bonding with caregivers and limit language development, researchers said. Photograph: dvulikaia/Getty Images.
Responding to the findings, Andrea Leadsom, founder of the 1,001 Critical Days Foundation, described the research as “a wake-up call.”
She said: “The evidence increasingly suggests that screens offer limited benefits for babies and may carry significant risks during the first 1,001 days, the most important period of human development.”
Leadsom also stressed that responsibility should not rest solely with parents, adding: “Parents should not be presented with content that is labelled or promoted as suitable for babies when the evidence points to the contrary.”
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The findings come as governments in several countries continue reviewing policies on children’s digital wellbeing. While much public attention has focused on teenagers’ social media use, researchers argue that infants and toddlers have received comparatively little attention despite increasing exposure to digital devices in everyday family life.
Child development specialists continue to emphasize that direct human interaction, conversation, reading, physical activity and responsive caregiving remain the most effective ways to support healthy cognitive, emotional and language development during the first years of life. Researchers say additional long-term studies are needed to better understand how different types and durations of screen exposure affect young children’s development.
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