Major Study Warns Against Screen Time Before Age 2

A major new study conducted by researchers from four universities in the United Kingdom is raising fresh concerns about the effects of screen time on very young children.

After reviewing a wide range of research from recent years, the team concluded that regular, intentional screen exposure before the age of 2 may have significant consequences for a child's development, with effects that can continue well into later childhood.

The Risks Researchers Identified

According to the review, early screen use was associated with a variety of physical, emotional, and developmental challenges.

Children who were regularly exposed to screens before age 2 were more likely to experience sleep problems, obesity, and eye health issues later in childhood. Researchers also found links to delays in social development, including greater difficulty forming healthy relationships and interacting with other children.

The review found that these children were also less likely to engage in play with their peers. Instead, many came to rely on screens as a form of "self soothing" rather than turning to parents or caregivers for comfort and emotional support.

Researchers Urge Parents to Be Cautious

Riff Clayton, senior lecturer in Communication and Media at the University of Leeds and the study's lead researcher, said that many parents unintentionally encourage unhealthy habits simply because they lack clear guidance.

"In the absence of guidance about their screen use, parents unintentionally teach children and babies to develop unhealthy habits and relationships with screen devices. This must change," Clayton said.

No Proven Benefit Before Age 2

Researchers describe the review as the most comprehensive analysis to date of screen use in children under 5.

Based on the available evidence, they argue that there is currently no demonstrated developmental benefit to intentionally giving digital devices to children younger than 2, while the potential risks continue to grow.

The authors conclude:

"No child under age 2 should be given regular intentional screen time. Passive exposure is socially unavoidable, so adding intentional use adds risk without any meaningful benefit."

What Experts Recommend Instead

In light of the findings, researchers are calling on governments to reconsider official recommendations regarding screen use in early childhood.

Health and education experts recommend keeping digital devices out of the hands of children under 2 whenever possible. Instead, they encourage parents to focus on activities that promote healthy development, such as interactive play, reading together, talking, singing, and spending quality time with caregivers.

While occasional passive exposure to screens may be difficult to avoid in modern life, experts emphasize that face to face interaction and hands on play remain the most valuable tools for supporting a young child's healthy physical, emotional, and social development.