Infants and toddlers under the age of two should avoid all intentional screen time to prevent long-term risks to physical and mental development, according to a comprehensive review by the Action on Digital Device Immersive Conditions Team. Researchers from the universities of Leeds, Leeds Trinity, Loughborough, and Aston warn that digital exposure at this age may hinder bonding, language acquisition, and sleep, urging the government to revise existing guidance that suggests shared screen use can be beneficial.
Why is there a “baby blind spot” in current policy?
While government attention has focused heavily on teenagers and social media, the youngest age group remains largely overlooked in digital policy. Rafe Clayton, a senior lecturer in media and communication at the University of Leeds and co-lead of the research, states that parents are currently lacking clear guidance. This void leads caregivers to “inadvertently teach children and babies to develop unhealthy habits and relationships with screen devices.”
The first 1,001 days of a child’s life are considered the most critical period of human development, yet this is exactly when researchers fear digital devices are becoming most embedded in daily routines.
What are the specific developmental risks for under-twos?
The study highlights that screen time for infants is not a neutral activity. According to the research, potential harms include reduced opportunities for bonding with parents, limited language development, and increased overstimulation. Furthermore, the study notes that infants may begin to use digital devices for comfort and soothing rather than relying on caregiver interaction.
How does official guidance compare to current research?
There is a distinct tension between current government advice and the findings of this new review. The Department for Education’s existing guidance for the under-fives recommends avoiding screen time but includes a caveat for “shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.”
In contrast, the researchers argue this creates a dangerous loophole. According to the study, official language suggesting that “shared screen time” or “screen time for learning” is acceptable may be misinterpreted by parents as an endorsement of safety. The report emphasizes that passive exposure is often unavoidable, but “adding deliberate use compounds risk without any meaningful benefit.”
What should parents do if they are concerned?
Andrea Leadsom, a former Conservative minister and founder of the 1,001 Critical Days Foundation, stresses that parents should not be blamed for a problem they did not create. She advocates for the expansion of Best Start family hubs, where parents can access trusted, non-judgmental advice.
Instead of using a tablet to soothe a fussy baby, focus on physical engagement or vocal interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is all screen time bad for babies? According to the report, the focus is on “intentional” screen time. Passive exposure is acknowledged as unavoidable, but researchers advise against deliberate use of devices for children under two.
- Can video calls with relatives be harmful? While the children’s commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, notes that video-calling is a normal part of modern life, the researchers urge caution to avoid framing any screen time as “safe” or “educational” for this age group.
- What is the “baby screen-time risk assessment”? It is a proposed framework by the research team to help services provide targeted support for families where developmental vulnerabilities may be emerging.
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