UNITED KINGDOM — A review by researchers from the universities of Leeds, Leeds Trinity, Loughborough, and Aston is calling on the government to reconsider its recently published guidance on screen time for children under five. The review urges further investigation into the risks that smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices pose to infants, stating that "no under-twos should receive regular intentional screen time."

Rafe Clayton, a senior lecturer in media and communication at the University of Leeds and co-lead of the research, said parents were "inadvertently teaching children and babies to develop unhealthy habits and relationships with screen devices." Clayton added, "This has to change." The study also states that "passive exposure is societally unavoidable, so adding deliberate use compounds risk without any meaningful benefit."

The study, which reviewed available global research on screen time for children under two, did not establish causal links between screen use and specific developmental conditions. However, it identifies potential harms including reduced opportunities for bonding with parents and caregivers, less time for physical play with other children, and limited language development. The review also expressed concern that infants are turning to digital devices for comfort and soothing instead of a parent, and that screen use at a young age may increase overstimulation, difficulty sleeping, and have implications for eye health and childhood obesity.

The researchers recommend that official guidance suggesting regular shared screen time for learning or communication, or for children with disabilities or learning difficulties, should be reconsidered. Carmen Clayton, a professor of family and cultural dynamics at Leeds Trinity University and co-lead of the research, said, "The government must consider how to engage with families better about problematic screen use, whilst being sensitive to the fear of judgment that many parents face when opening up about such issues." The research team is also calling for a "baby screen-time risk assessment" to provide targeted support to families.

Andrea Leadsom, a former Conservative minister and founder of the 1,001 Critical Days Foundation, said, "The evidence increasingly suggests that screens offer limited benefits for babies and may carry significant risks during the first 1,001 days, the most important period of human development." She said parents should not be blamed for a problem they did not create and that "the responsibility cannot rest solely on their shoulders." Leadsom also said technology companies should play their part and that "parents should not be presented with content that is labelled or promoted as suitable for babies when the evidence points to the contrary."