Screen time can damage under-twos' development, landmark study suggests

A landmark study examining global research concludes that screen time for babies and toddlers under two should be completely avoided, as it reduces opportunities for physical play, parent bonding, and language development, and may increase overstimulation, sleep difficulties, and obesity risks. Researchers are calling for the government to reconsider its current guidance that allows "shared screen time" for under-twos, warning that such caveats may be misinterpreted by parents as endorsement of screen use. The study highlights a "baby blind spot" in policy as screen use has become embedded in everyday parenting, with experts concerned that parents lack adequate guidance on managing their own digital habits.