Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?
By Tim Freed, Founder of Toddle About
15 years ago, when we launched the very first Toddle About magazine (back in 2010!), we ran an article entitled ‘The Evil TV’.
It reflected concerns I had at the time about how much time children spent watching TV and how it might be affecting our little ones. So I did some research.
The article tried to be as objective as possible - looking at both the pros and cons of television for kids, and providing advice for parents based on recommendations from respected authorities. (You can see the article at www.toddle.fun/TheEvilTV).
Needless to say, things have changed a lot since 2010. In today’s world, screens are everywhere — and the debate around screentime for kids is raging louder than ever. So I felt it was time we re-visited the topic. Again, we’ve tried to be as objective as possible, to help us understand the impact of screen time on little ones - both positive and negative.
The Alarming Statistics
Recent studies show that screen time for young children is on the rise. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that children aged 0-5 spend an average of 2-3 hours per day in front of screens.
A 2024 report by the UK's Education Committee, "Screen time: impacts on education and wellbeing", found that there has been a 52% increase in children’s screen time between 2020 and 2022. Notably, 20% of children aged 3 to 4 own their own mobile phone, with nearly all children possessing one by age 12.
So the overall trend is pretty well established: screens are taking up more and more of our children’s lives. But how worried should we be? And how much is too much screen time?
The Dangers of Too Much Screen Time
Excessive screen time can have several adverse effects on young children, many of which can impact their development during these critical early years.
1. Delayed Cognitive Development: Research has linked high levels of screen time to delayed language development and poorer cognitive skills in young children. Babies and toddlers learn best through direct interaction with caregivers and their environment. Excessive screen time can hinder their ability to explore, interact, and develop essential social and communication skills.
2. Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This disruption can lead to difficulty falling asleep and poorer sleep quality. Given that sleep is crucial for a child’s growth and brain development, any reduction in sleep quality or quantity can have significant consequences.
3. Increased Risk of Obesity: Several studies have found a correlation between high screen time and an increased risk of obesity in children. This is often due to a sedentary lifestyle coupled with exposure to advertisements for unhealthy foods, which can influence eating habits from a young age.
4. Behavioural Issues: Excessive screen time has also been linked to attention problems and behavioural issues in children. When young children spend too much time on screens, they may become overstimulated and have difficulty focusing on other activities, such as playing with toys or interacting with others.
The Bright Side: How Screen Time Can Be Positive
While the dangers of too much screen time are real, it's important to consider that not all screen time is harmful. When used appropriately, screens can be a valuable tool for learning and development.
1. Educational Content: High-quality educational programs and apps can help children learn new concepts, such as numbers, letters, and basic problem-solving skills. Interactive programs that encourage children to engage with the content rather than passively watch can be particularly beneficial.
2. Digital Storytelling: Digital books and storytelling apps can introduce children to the joy of reading from a young age. These tools often include interactive elements that can make the experience more engaging and help develop early literacy skills.
3. Video Chats with Family: For families living apart, video chatting can be a wonderful way to help young children develop relationships with distant relatives. This type of screen time is interactive and social, providing valuable opportunities for connection and communication.
Finding the Right Balance
Health experts, including the World Health Organisation and NHS, recommend limiting screen time for young children to support healthy development:
* Babies (0-1 year) – No screen time at all. Instead, focus on interactive play, tummy time, and storytelling.
* Toddlers (1-2 years) – Minimal screen time. The WHO advises none for 1-year-olds and a maximum of 1 hour for 2-year-olds—but less is better.
* Preschoolers (3-4 years) – Max 1 hour per day. Prioritise active play, real-world interactions, and quality sleep over screen use.
It seems to me that, like so many things in life, the key to managing screen time for young children is balance. So here are some practical tips for finding that balance in your home:
1. Set Clear Limits: Establish and enforce clear guidelines for screen time. For children under two, try to avoid screens altogether, except for video chatting. For older toddlers and preschoolers, aim to keep screen time to no more than one hour per day, focusing on high-quality content.
2. Be Involved: Whenever possible, watch or play alongside your child. This helps you monitor the content they are consuming and provides opportunities for interaction.
3. Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of your home, like the dining room or bedrooms, as screen-free zones. This encourages your child to engage in other activities, such as playing with toys, reading books, or spending time outdoors.
4. Prioritise Active Play and Social Interaction: Ensure that screen time doesn’t replace other important activities like outdoor play, social interaction, and hands-on learning. These activities are essential for your child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
5. Lead by Example: Children learn by watching their parents. If you limit your own screen time and prioritise face-to-face interactions, your child is more likely to follow suit.
Conclusion
This article isn’t intended as an exhaustive guide but rather a starting point for thought and discussion. Like most parents, I navigate screen time challenges daily, and I certainly don’t have all the answers. But as screens continue to play an ever bigger role in our lives, I think it’s worth reflecting on how we can use them mindfully - so they support rather than hinder our children’s development.