Alarm Over Excessive Screen Time in Infants Under One Year

A recent study has raised alarm over a growing trend among infants: some babies aged nine months and younger spend more than three hours daily in front of screens such as televisions, smartphones, or tablets.

The research, conducted by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) using data from 8,000 families across the UK, revealed that nearly 72% of infants at this age engage with electronic devices on a regular basis. The average screen time reported was 41 minutes per day for all babies, but those in single-parent households averaged slightly more—47 minutes daily. Alarmingly, 2% of nine-month-olds exceeded three hours of screen exposure each day.

Experts warn that excessive screen use is linked to a decline in critical early childhood experiences. Babies with over three hours of daily screen time are significantly less likely to go on trips outside or be read to by caregivers compared to their peers who have no recorded screen exposure. For instance, 80% of babies without any screens spend time outdoors every day, while that figure drops to 60% for those watching more than three hours a day.

The study also found that children with high levels of screen use are less likely to share books or engage in interactive reading sessions with adults. This pattern becomes particularly pronounced when daily exposure exceeds two hours. Researchers noted that infants living in single-parent households and those who are only children tend to have higher rates of prolonged screen time.

Dr. Tammy Campbell, director for early years at the EPI, emphasized the need for further investigation into why such high usage occurs among this vulnerable group. She cautioned against a blanket condemnation of all screen use, stating that policies should instead focus on helping families leverage technology in ways that support child development and family bonding.

The UK government is set to release guidance on appropriate screen time limits for children under five by April 2024. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue, citing data showing that nearly all two-year-olds engage with screens daily—a trend she described as concerning given its potential impact on language development.

Earlier research from government agencies found a correlation between high screen use in under-twos and poorer vocabulary skills. Children exposed to up to five hours of screens per day were observed to have significantly smaller vocabularies than peers who watched just 44 minutes daily, according to the study. Phillipson acknowledged the challenges parents face when balancing child preferences with developmental needs but stressed that prolonged exposure can accumulate risks over time.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that early screen habits may influence long-term cognitive and social development. While technology offers opportunities for learning and connection, experts urge careful consideration of its role in shaping the earliest stages of childhood.