{"id":186890,"date":"2026-06-28T04:19:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T09:49:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=186890"},"modified":"2026-06-28T04:19:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T09:49:27","slug":"screen-time-in-early-childhood-linked-to-developmental-concerns-study-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=186890","title":{"rendered":"Screen time in early childhood linked to developmental concerns, study finds"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\"Study
A child using a mobile phone. Photo: Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Using screens during the first 1001 days of life can lead to developmental concerns for the next generation, researchers warn.<\/p>\n

Digital screen time for under-twos is associated with long-term impacts on health and quality of life, and limited benefits, according to the most comprehensive systematic review yet of global peer-reviewed research into babies\u2019 screen time, published today (Friday 26 June). \u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has implications for a whole generation and their future quality of life,\u201d Rafe Clayton, School of Media and Communication,\u00a0 said in a statement.<\/p>\n

Based on the findings, the iADDICT group of researchers from four UK universities recommends that under-twos should not receive any intentional, regular screen time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The academics are calling for any guidance that points under-twos to shared screen time, or suggests that screen technology is suitable for \u201call ages\u201d, to be reconsidered. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Researchers stress the findings reflect the pressures of modern digital environments rather than individual parenting choices. They hope the review will provide caregivers with the most up-to-date evidence so they can understand risks and seek support sooner.<\/p>\n

Commissioned by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, the research was conducted by academics across disciplines of mental health, physical health and social science from the University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University, Aston University and Loughborough University. The study also invited 174 parents across the UK to share their views on young children\u2019s screen use and their concerns around it through an online survey and focus group interviews.<\/p>\n

Report co-lead Rafe Clayton, Senior Lecturer in Media and Communication at the University of Leeds, said: \u201cWe have learned that screen use among the under-twos is a global concern that in 2026 is not being adequately addressed. This has implications for a whole generation and their future quality of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cScreen time guidelines exist for children but are not being followed, in part because the adults who are setting the precedents for societal use are themselves without guidance. As we experience the digital revolution, problematic screen use among adults is common, yet the Government is not currently providing screen time guidelines for adults in the UK, despite the British people wanting them and expecting them. As role models, unguided adults are inadvertently teaching children and babies to develop unhealthy habits and relationships with screen devices and this has to change.\u201d<\/p>\n

The research found a lack of guidance from health professionals for parents about screen use. The researchers believe this is a reminder of the discrepancies between government and healthcare guidance and the real challenges parents face on a daily basis, and call for more targeted support. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Assessing risk for babies \u00a0<\/h2>\n

Existing guidance from the World Health Organization (2019) and the American Academy of Paediatrics (2024), which recommends that under-twos avoid screen time, is already being exceeded globally during the critical first 1001 days of life, from pregnancy to age two, according to the report. \u00a0<\/p>\n

The harms of this include reduced opportunities to bond with caregivers, reduced play with peers, limited language development, increased risk of overstimulation, difficulty sleeping, eye health implications, increased risk of childhood obesity and reliance on devices for emotional regulation. However, the review does not establish causal links between screen use and specific developmental conditions.<\/p>\n

The researchers are calling for the creation of a baby screen time risk assessment in collaboration with policymakers, healthcare workers and early years practitioners. This could help services to provide targeted support, guide families toward interactive alternatives, and intervene where developmental vulnerabilities may be emerging.<\/p>\n

Report co-lead Carmen Clayton, Professor of Family and Cultural Dynamics at Leeds Trinity University, said: \u201cScreen time is heavily interwoven into the lives of many families throughout the day. Caregivers are calling for more guidance, but professional support is limited. The Government must consider how to engage with families better about problematic screen use, whilst being sensitive to the fear of judgement that many parents face when opening up about such issues.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tips for parents<\/h2>\n

More research is needed into which strategies are most effective for parents and caregivers wanting to reduce and cut out babies\u2019 screen time. But the following strategies from the review have evidenced benefits: \u00a0<\/p>\n

Taking children outdoors to spend time in nature prevents screen time and can benefit physical development and eye health.<\/p>\n

Avoiding using screens at mealtimes could correlate with healthier eating habits.<\/p>\n

Access to non-digital toys is beneficial for reducing screen time and improving development.<\/p>\n

Spending time in the physical presence of others \u2013 meeting, interacting and playing with other people \u2013 supports social development.<\/p><\/div>\n


\n
Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A child using a mobile phone. Photo: Unsplash Using screens during the first 1001 days of life can lead to developmental concerns for the next generation, researchers warn. Digital screen…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":186891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-186890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ChildWatchingMobilePhone.jpg","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":181134,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=181134","url_meta":{"origin":186890,"position":0},"title":"Musheer Khan, Abhigyan Kundu named in Mumbai squad to travel to UK","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"June 16, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Mumbai team featuring several Ranji players including India\u2019s U-19 World Cup winning keeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, Ranji stars like Musheer Khan and Suved Parkar will travel to the UK for a developmental tour, scheduled from June 20 to July 15. The squad also includes senior team players like spinner Atharva Ankolekar,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sports"","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/11908_30_1_2026_18_58_43_4_DSC_4034.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/11908_30_1_2026_18_58_43_4_DSC_4034.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/11908_30_1_2026_18_58_43_4_DSC_4034.JPG?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/11908_30_1_2026_18_58_43_4_DSC_4034.JPG?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/11908_30_1_2026_18_58_43_4_DSC_4034.JPG?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":172122,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=172122","url_meta":{"origin":186890,"position":1},"title":"Ross Greene: What if Bad Behavior Isn\u2019t the Problem?","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"May 25, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Episode Transcript This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.Ki Sung: Welcome to the MindShift podcast, where we explore the future of learning and how we raise our kids. I\u2019m Ki Sung. There\u2019s been no shortage of stories about what\u2019s troubling kids today,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Education: Careers360"","block_context":{"text":"Education: Careers360","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=14"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779712179_Ross-Greene-cover-2000x1354.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779712179_Ross-Greene-cover-2000x1354.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779712179_Ross-Greene-cover-2000x1354.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779712179_Ross-Greene-cover-2000x1354.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779712179_Ross-Greene-cover-2000x1354.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779712179_Ross-Greene-cover-2000x1354.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":183794,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=183794","url_meta":{"origin":186890,"position":2},"title":"Do you also shine laptop screen with glasses cleaner? Most people make a big mistake here","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"June 21, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"If you have a laptop or monitor screen in your house, then how do you clean it? Many people just wipe dry clothes, but if a stain starts appearing, many people clean it with eyeglass cleaner. Cleaning glasses with cleaner chemicals may seem easy and the right way, but experts\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Top Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Top Stories","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=119"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/screen-cleaning-tips-2026-06-a1276cf6fb684d91a75a83bdc270f481-1200x675.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/screen-cleaning-tips-2026-06-a1276cf6fb684d91a75a83bdc270f481-1200x675.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/screen-cleaning-tips-2026-06-a1276cf6fb684d91a75a83bdc270f481-1200x675.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/screen-cleaning-tips-2026-06-a1276cf6fb684d91a75a83bdc270f481-1200x675.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/screen-cleaning-tips-2026-06-a1276cf6fb684d91a75a83bdc270f481-1200x675.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":171611,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=171611","url_meta":{"origin":186890,"position":3},"title":"Big problem in Google’s expensive phones, screen turning off after update, know how to fix it?","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"May 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Powered by :Last Updated:May 24, 2026, 14:19 ISTGoogle Pixel Fold users are facing the problem of cover screen turning black after the recent update. Many users say that the screen works during boot but turns off after Android loads. A solution has emerged...news quicklyNew problem begins for Google Pixel Fold\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Top Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Top Stories","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=119"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/google-pixel-Fold-2026-05-5d7c3f046d3d208531878dbc3668354e-1200x675.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/google-pixel-Fold-2026-05-5d7c3f046d3d208531878dbc3668354e-1200x675.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/google-pixel-Fold-2026-05-5d7c3f046d3d208531878dbc3668354e-1200x675.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/google-pixel-Fold-2026-05-5d7c3f046d3d208531878dbc3668354e-1200x675.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/google-pixel-Fold-2026-05-5d7c3f046d3d208531878dbc3668354e-1200x675.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":172165,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=172165","url_meta":{"origin":186890,"position":4},"title":"Phones with big screen and loud sound are perfect for parents, easy features will be available in the budget of Rs 10,000.","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"May 25, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Buying a phone is not an easy task for parents. They want a phone with small buttons, big screen, loud sound and easy to use, in which they do not face any problem. The good thing is that even in the budget of Rs 10,000, such great phones are now\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Top Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Top Stories","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=119"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/parents-phone-2026-05-919b57674907b6f3fb9cd064204185da-1200x675.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/parents-phone-2026-05-919b57674907b6f3fb9cd064204185da-1200x675.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/parents-phone-2026-05-919b57674907b6f3fb9cd064204185da-1200x675.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/parents-phone-2026-05-919b57674907b6f3fb9cd064204185da-1200x675.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/parents-phone-2026-05-919b57674907b6f3fb9cd064204185da-1200x675.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":185104,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=185104","url_meta":{"origin":186890,"position":5},"title":"The real truth of these colorful dots visible on the mobile screen, know the meaning of green, orange and yellow light.","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"June 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Powered by :Last Updated:June 24, 2026, 21:17 ISTPeople often get confused about the green, orange or yellow light that suddenly flashes on the smartphone screen. Actually, these lights are not a sign of your phone's malfunction, rather it is a very important security feature related to your privacy and the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Top Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Top Stories","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=119"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-2026-06-1746291a96720feb9deaa77d690d229e-1200x675.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-2026-06-1746291a96720feb9deaa77d690d229e-1200x675.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-2026-06-1746291a96720feb9deaa77d690d229e-1200x675.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-2026-06-1746291a96720feb9deaa77d690d229e-1200x675.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-2026-06-1746291a96720feb9deaa77d690d229e-1200x675.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgnRh4-MCm","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/186890","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=186890"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/186890\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/186891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=186890"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=186890"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=186890"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}