Babies should not use screens at all in the first two years, major review finds
Published on 02/07/2026 - 7:00 GMT+2 Using screens during the first two years of life is associated with long-term impacts on health and quality of life, according to a new...
Published on 02/07/2026 - 7:00 GMT+2
Using screens during the first two years of life is associated with long-term impacts on health and quality of life, according to a new systematic review.
The analysis identified substantial evidence that digital media use — particularly TV, mobile phones and tablets — is widespread in children under two and may be associated with potential harm to child development.
Screen time leads to fewer opportunities to bond with their caregivers or play with other children, limited language development and increased overstimulation.
“We have learned that screen use among the under-twos is a global concern that in 2026 is not being adequately addressed,” said Rafe Clayton, senior lecturer at the University of Leeds.
As the first two years of life are essential to establishing the foundations of a child’s physical and mental health, screentime “has implications for a whole generation and their future quality of life,” he added.
Based on the findings, the researchers from four UK universities — the University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University, Aston University and Loughborough University — recommend that under-twos should not receive any intentional, regular screen time.
They are calling to reconsider any guidance that points to shared screen time for under-twos or suggests that screen technology is suitable for “all ages”.
“We hope the findings can inform parents, practitioners and policymakers to support sustainable technology use and inform the development of relevant guidance for young children,” said Richard James, an expert in addictive behaviours at Loughborough University.
He added that parents, due to the lack of guidance, are “inadvertently teaching children and babies to develop unhealthy habits and relationships with screen devices”.
Screen use rising among children
The researchers said that by two years old, daily screen time use is nearly universal and exceeds recommended limits.
They noted that a major driver of early screen exposure is parental workload, which leads caregivers to rely on screens as a babysitting tool to occupy children.
“Families are navigating this challenge without the information and support they need. The responsibility cannot rest solely on their shoulders,” said Andrea Leadsom, Founder of 1001 Critical Days Foundation, which commissioned the review.
She added that technology companies must acknowledge their role, and parents should not be presented with content labelled or promoted as suitable for babies when the evidence points to the contrary.
