Parents across the UK are being issued a stark warning about the impact of screen time on their young children's development, as new government research reveals a direct link between high device use and poorer language skills in toddlers.
The Evidence: Screen Time and Speech Delays
Groundbreaking research commissioned by the government indicates that higher screen use for children under two is linked to significantly poorer language development. The study found a clear correlation, with children at the highest end of the scale – those using screens for around five hours a day – able to say far fewer words than their peers who watched for an average of just 44 minutes.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted the scale of the issue, noting that around 98 per cent of children are using screens daily by the age of two. This period is critical for brain development and language acquisition. Phillipson, writing in the Sunday Times, shared a relatable parental experience, stating: "Like so many parents, I've had evenings where you give in when your little one wants 'just one more' episode of their favourite show. But we're beginning to see the risks when 'just one more' starts to add up."
Government Action and New Guidance
In response to these concerning findings, the Department for Education will publish its first official guidance on screen time for under-fives in April. The initiative will be led by a national working group, with the terms of reference published on Monday. The group will be chaired by Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza and the Department for Education's scientific adviser, Professor Russell Viner.
Critically, the process will involve parents, children, and early years practitioners. "I want this to be shaped with parents, not dictated to them," Ms Phillipson insisted, promising engagement sessions to understand what families need from the advice. The guidance aims to offer clear, practical advice on how screens fit alongside essential early years activities like talking, playing, and reading together, and will suggest alternatives to screen time.
A Call for Balanced Digital Habits
The Education Secretary acknowledged that digital devices "are not going anywhere," but urged parents to use them well. She suggested shared activities, such as reading a story on a tablet or using it for educational games, rather than passive consumption.
This call for balance extends to adult behaviour. Phillipson posed a reflective question: "As adults, how many of us walk around with our face in our phones? We use them for hours every day... but what about our children?" Her comments come amid growing concerns from teachers and nursery staff, who report that children are finding it harder to hold conversations, concentrate, or engage in learning when they start their early education.
The forthcoming guidance marks a significant step in addressing the modern challenge of raising children in a digital world, aiming to equip parents with evidence-based strategies to support their child's crucial early development.
