Review Finds No Proven Causal Harm but Urges Reconsidering Screen-Time Guidance for Under-Twos

A landmark study concludes that screen time for babies and toddlers under the age of two should be avoided due to long-term negative effects on health and quality of life. The Guardian reported that researchers from the universities of Leeds, Leeds Trinity, Loughborough and Aston conducted the review, described as the most comprehensive examination of global research on the topic.

Rafe Clayton, a senior lecturer in media and communication at the University of Leeds who co-led the research, said parents lacking guidance on their own screen use were inadvertently teaching children unhealthy habits.

Carmen Clayton, professor of family and cultural dynamics at Leeds Trinity University and the other co-lead, called for better engagement with families about problematic screen use. The study states 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, the researchers said.

It did not establish causal links between screen use and specific developmental conditions. The review recommends that official guidance pointing under-twos toward regular shared screen time, screen time for learning, communication or children with disabilities should be reconsidered.

It also calls for a baby screen-time risk assessment to help services support families where developmental vulnerabilities may be emerging.

Current UK government guidance recommends avoiding screen time for the under-twos except for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation. A Department for Education spokesperson said the government is proud of its first-of-its-kind screen time guidance for parents of under-fives.