Is screen time really that bad? Experts weigh in on how to manage it without the stress

Toddler Screen Time

by Laura Healy |
Updated on

Screen time is a hot topic among parents. With children spending more time in front of screens than ever before, it’s natural to wonder – is all that screen time really bad for them?

Six in ten British parents admit they struggle with how often and how long their kids spend on screens. A study by JoJo Maman Bébé shows that over 40% of parents have tried to cut back on screen time, but many found it too difficult—32% said it led to tantrums.

Let’s be honest, screens can be a lifesaver. They give you a moment to cook dinner, fold the laundry, or finish some work while your little one enjoys their favourite show or app. But as parenting expert Laura Amies (aka Nanny Amies), author of The Toddler Survival Guide, explains, it’s all about using screens wisely.

“I encourage parents to use screens wisely—I’m not the screen police,” she tells Mother&Baby. “I’d never suggest to busy parents, already juggling so much, that all screen time should be banned. High-quality content at the right times can be really helpful. What matters is that children are actively engaged, rather than passively watching or being distracted.”

Parenting advice can feel overwhelming—you’re told to cut processed foods, use reusable nappies, not sleep train, but also not rock them to sleep. Now screens are the latest big issue. Are they really so bad?

Baby Boy Watching at Home
Is screen time really that bad? ©Photo credit: Tatiana Dyuvbanova / Canva Pro

We’ve come a long way from jokes about “square eyes.” Today, parents worry about screen time causing vision problems, focus issues, weight gain, and online safety concerns. But if managed well, screens can be a fantastic tool for learning and entertainment.

As our kids grow up in a digital world, screens will be a big part of their lives. It’s up to us to help them use them safely and smartly. Child experts agree that, like many things, moderation is key. The impact of screen time depends on a number of factors, such as the content your child is consuming, how often they use screens, and how much time they spend engaging with the world around them.

Here’s what experts recommend for managing your child’s screen time without stress.

What is screen time?

Screen time is any activity where your child is using a screen to play or learn. This includes a variety of devices including, TV, tablets, mobile phones, video games, smart watches and laptops or PCs. Internetmatters.org found that "30% of children spend 3-4 hours daily on their devices" while "68% of parents are worried about their children spending too much time online or on connected devices." So screen time is an issue that is problematic for parents but do we need to be concerned?

How much screen time is recommended for kids?

The World Health Organisation advises that "to grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more." This suggests that the real problem with screen time is that typically children are sedentary while playing on their tablet or watching their favourite TV show. The WHO suggests that for children aged 2 and 3 "sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour." They also suggest, "when sedentary, engaging in reading and storytelling with a caregiver is encouraged," over screen time.

The WHO says, "currently, over 23% of adults and 80% of adolescents are not sufficiently physically active. If healthy physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep habits are established early in life, this helps shape habits through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood." Therefore the more we can encourage our children away from screens, and instead to play games which incorporate physical activity we are helping them establish healthier habits for life.

The NHS also suggest limiting screen time, however they advise, no more than 2 hours per day for children 2 and above. They say that "from 15 months, children may copy actions or words from TV, they are not actively able to learn language from TV until they are around 2½ years old." Therefore any educational benefits do not start until two years old and screen time should be limited.

From age 2 the NHS suggest, "a limited amount of child-friendly screen time can be educational, but it’s important to ensure the content is appropriate for your child’s age."

Child Using Smartphone
The NHS says educational benefits do not start until two years old and screen time should be limited ©Photo credit: ภาพของSeahorse Photo in BKK/ Canva Pro

Why is screen time bad for kids?

As the WHO suggests screen time can be linked with lack of physical activity which can lead to obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle, however, there other risks which affect children's physical and mental development.

Eye problems

Spec Savers advise that too much screen time can be harmful to the development of little one's eyes. Their Clinical Services Director, Giles Edmond, advises "the eyes can often become strained when focusing on screens for a long period of time. Symptoms to look out for in your children include eye discomfort, headaches, sore or tired eyes, difficulty focusing, dry eyes, blurred or double vision, and increased sensitivity to light." Spec Savers also list Myopia (short sightedness) saying that "children are twice as likely to experience myopia now than 50 years ago, which could also be linked to the increase in digital screen use during childhood, alongside an overall decrease in outdoor time." However, Spec Savers comment, "there is no definitive research to suggest that the blue light from digital screens can have a negative impact on your child’s eyes. What many people believe to be ‘blue light damage’ is usually just digital eye strain."

Irregular sleep patterns

NCT say that "several studies have reported strong and consistent evidence that longer screen use during the day is associated with worse sleep. This in turn might affect health and cognitive development." It has been reported that prolonged use of screens in children means they don't stay asleep for as long and it also takes them longer to fall asleep.

Lack of concentration

"TV moves very quickly (there is a change on the screen about every 6 seconds). Real life has a slower pace which helps children to develop their concentration skills," says the NHS and so too much screen time can impact a child's ability to concentrate on other activities.

Less time for real life learning

Using screens can reduce creative imagination because it decreases children's mental imagery skills. Experiencing things through a screen is not the same as experiencing it through real life and therefore children struggle to be creative or create their own mental images. The NHS suggest screens mean there is "less time for real life learning (e.g. sharing books and play), and interactions between you and your child," which are all experiences children need to develop their imaginative and creative skills.

Lack of time outside and lack of physical activity

It seems this is the biggest problem. Screen time normally happens indoors on the sofa and so children are both sedentary and indoors. It is vital children move to reduce problems like obesity and diabetes, but also that they spend time outside in natural light to reduce eye problems. Liat Hughes Joshi, author of 'How to Unplug Your Child,' says "if they're looking at screens a lot, they're missing out on other activities which are more developmentally beneficial and healthier...be it playing with a toy that requires the beginnings of creativity, or painting and arts and crafts or running around the garden or park getting some activity."

Are there any benefits to screen time?

It can feel overwhelming reading about the potential downsides of screen time, especially when, as parents, we rely on it to get through busy days. But it’s not all bad news—screens can be a fantastic resource for learning, connection, and even fun family time when used thoughtfully.

So, are there any benefits? Yes, while too much screen time is not good for your little one (or you!) managing how much time your child spends looking at a screen, as well as monitoring the content, can provide benefits. Dr. Amanda Gummer from the Good Play Guide says, "let’s not demonise screen time but let’s make it work for everyone no matter what the age of your child. There are many ways screen time can be a force for good and even contribute to valuable family time during the holidays if a considered approach is taken."

There are many fun and educational apps for kids and screens are also used in schools for learning and for homework with apps such as Times Tables Rock Stars being popular for home learning. TV can also be beneficial with NCT saying, "high quality TV programmes and apps aim to help toddlers with their language development, shape and colour recognition, numeracy and literacy. They also aim to promote problem solving, visual thinking and imagination." They also suggest, "babies and toddlers learn when adults interact with them alongside screen time," so screen time can actually be a nice activity to do together.

Interestingly there is proof that screen time supports development with NCT finding, "there’s an association between toddlers using interactive touchscreens earlier and them being able to make small, controlled movements – stacking blocks – earlier."

It seems that while screen time can have negative impacts, there are also many benefits and the key is moderation.

Finding balance between screen time and real-life

Laura echoes the importance of balance, “It's important to acknowledge that screen time, whether it's in or out of the home, impacts a child's overall development and well-being. It's all too easy to offer a child a phone while they are in the buggy, keep the TV playing in the background throughout the day, or use an iPad during meal times. However, before you know it, their day may have been driven by digital interactions."

She suggests practicing conscious screen time, "By practicing conscious screen time, we can ensure that technology works with us rather than against us, resulting in us being able to offer screens guilt-free when the time is appropriate."

Laura also highlights the importance of prioritising offline experiences during a child’s early years, "A child's early years should be filled with fresh air, exploration, free play, and meaningful two-way interactions. When it's time to introduce screens, I recommend delaying it for as long as possible. Once a child is aged two years and over, screens can be introduced sparingly to prevent over-reliance. By fostering independent play skills, attention span, and fine motor development, children are better equipped to entertain themselves without using screens."

Family watching videos on an iPad
As a parent, you play a crucial role in guiding how your child uses screens ©Photo credit: MNstudio/ Canva Pro

Have screen free days

Over half (53%) of UK parents don’t have screen-free time or days. Child psychologist Melody Smith explains why it’s important to create screen-free time.

“Screen time is a normal part of modern life, but managing it wisely is crucial for your child’s development,” says Dr Melody.

Screentime can make it difficult for children to focus on slower-paced activities like reading.

She says, "Younger children, especially those under 5, are most vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive screen time on their attention spans. Their brains are still developing critical attention-control skills. Overexposure to fast-paced screen content can make it difficult for them to focus on slower activities like reading or playing quietly."

Dr Melody advises cutting down screen time in small increments, such as reducing it by 10-15 minutes per day.

“For example, if your child is used to two hours of TV after school, reduce it to 1 hour and 45 minutes and use the extra 15 minutes for activities like puzzles or building blocks. It’s also important to explain the reasons behind the changes and involve your child in the decision-making process, as children are more likely to follow through when they understand why.

Stay consistent with the new routine, remain calm if resistance arises, and offer alternative activities to avoid tantrums. Positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, will help make the transition smoother,” she says.

Tips to reduce kids screen time

When it comes to screen time, the impact on your child’s social and emotional development largely depends on the type of content, how often they are exposed to it, and how engaged they are with you during that time. Laura shared some key tips to keep in mind:

Quality over quantity

"If your child spends more time on screens than interacting with others, their social skills might suffer. On the flip side, if they’re watching high-quality content, they could learn positive behaviors, like how to be a good friend, just by observing role models on screen."

Balance is key

"Too much screen time can lead to frustration and irritability. However, if your child is watching content that shows role models handling emotions well, it could actually help improve their coping skills."

You are the role model

"As a parent, you play a crucial role in guiding how your child uses screens. The earlier you introduce screens wisely, the better prepared your child will be to use technology safely and responsibly as they grow."

Watch for red flags

"If your child becomes upset or withdrawn when they’re not using screens, or if they’re avoiding activities like playing outside, it might be time to cut back. Similarly, if older children start to display extreme or unusual behavior after screen time, it could be a sign that the content is affecting them negatively."

Choose high-quality content

"Look for content with visuals that stay on the screen long enough for your child to process. Fast-paced videos can make it harder for kids to focus, so slower, more thoughtful content is better for their attention spans and emotional health. Always make sure the content is age-appropriate to avoid causing anxiety or distress."

blonde baby looking at screen tablet
Experts suggest looking for content with visuals that stay on the screen long enough for your child to process ©Photo credit: quintanilla from Getty Images/ Canva Pro

Can apps help parents control screen time?

Another way to manage your child's screen time is to use an app to set parental controls which will prevent them accessing inappropriate content, or certain websites or platforms, as well as setting time limits. Internetmatters.org suggests the app Screen Time Parental Control. They recommend this app because it "will let you monitor and manage the time spent on devices and allows you to set time limits on selected apps, as well as a bedtime curfew, lights out and school time curfews." There are lots of apps such as Screen Time Parental Control or ScreenTime available to help you set screen time limits and monitor activity, often they run in the background, but might have a subscription fee.

While apps are useful, Dr. Amanda advises you need to keep talking to your child about their screen time habits. She says, "above all, keep talking with your children about what they are watching, learning and intrigued by online.   If they are old enough to be on social media, then take an active interest in their platforms, be within their network and tackle challenging topics together.  Involving children in their own screen time planning and activity will foster independence, responsibility and self-awareness all really important for developing healthy screen habits later in life."

Screen time and travel

Screens can be incredibly useful to entertain little ones on long journeys. Dr. Amanda agrees, saying, "it may be that the half-term break takes you away from home and so obviously screen time is going to be a big part of the conversation.  If you’re going to be travelling long distances in a car or even aeroplane, then consider downloading some educational content for your child before you set off, so you can be confident that being glued to a screen will actually benefit their learning when there’s little opportunity to do anything else. You can also use their screen time to help you find local places of interest online and get them exploring things to do."

Alternatives to screen time?

The NHS recommends aiming to have some screen free days, and where this is not possible limiting screen time to no more than two hours per day. Your little one might moan it's not fair on screen free days but being prepared with some screen free activities is a great idea. Devices such as the tonie player, or Yoto player are excellent alternatives because your little one can still enjoy listening to stories, and even take them outside, but they won't need to look at a screen.

Of course, ideally, we want our children to be playing outside but that is not always possible with the weather, or perhaps a lack of outside space. Therefore have a box of activities such as puzzles, colouring, and some books to offer as an alternative. Children love crafts too, or baking if you are free to sit with them and help them. Encouraging independent play with figures and play sets, or role play toys is also another great idea.

Dr. Amanda suggests stocking up saying, "encourage your children to make a list of things they would like to read, play or learn about and then stock up on art supplies, books or reading materials. Maybe rotate times and games with friends or join up the local library as well as exploring free resources online is a great place to start."

Screens can be addictive and they are easy to access, but once that option is removed (after some complaining) your little one will find something else they enjoy doing too. Screen time shouldn't be banned, just limited, to create a healthy balance.

About the experts

Laura Amies – aka Nanny Amies – has worked with hundreds of children across her 20-year career, both in nurseries and as a private nanny, and was the TV expert "toddler tamer" for Channel Five’s 'Toddlers Behaving (Very) Badly'. Her new book, The Toddler Survival Guide is available to pre-order now.  She has a combined social media following of 260K and  has been featured in the Sun, the Daily Mail, Metro, Hello!, Radio Times, Yahoo, CafeMom and on BBC's Women's Hour and BBC's the Jeremy Vine show.

Dr Melody Smith is a chartered clinical psychologist who specialises in supporting parents and families of children with a learning disability and/or neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a London-based journalist, author and coach. She has written six parenting books, including Help your Child Cope with Change. She has contributed to many national and international publications including The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times and The Guardian and a range of magazines and websites.

Dr. Amanda Gummer has a PhD in Neuropsychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. Having worked in children’s industries for many years, Amanda can regularly be seen in the media, including BBC News, Sky News, The Daily Mail and many more, offering advice on news stories and issues surrounding children, families and child development.

About the author

Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.

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