Three-Quarters of Nine-Month-Olds in England Experience Daily Screen Time
A recent study has uncovered that a significant majority of nine-month-old babies in England are exposed to screens on a daily basis, with an average usage of 41 minutes per day. The research, conducted by the Education Policy Institute (EPI), indicates that 72% of infants in this age group have some form of screen time, while 28% reportedly have none at all.
Heavy Use and Demographic Insights
Among the findings, a small but notable group of infants, approximately 2%, are classified as heavy users, watching screens for more than three hours daily. The study, which analysed data from 8,000 families participating in the Children of the 2020s study, reveals that parental choices regarding screen time are consistent across different income levels, suggesting a widespread trend rather than one limited by socioeconomic factors.
Interestingly, the number of siblings in a household influences screen exposure. Babies with no siblings are more likely to have screen time, with 80% reported to use screens, compared to 57% of those with four or more siblings. Additionally, infants in single-parent households average 47 minutes of screen time per day, slightly higher than the 39 minutes observed in two-parent homes.
Screen Time and Child Development
The research challenges the notion that screen time inherently conflicts with a healthy, active childhood. Dr. Tammy Campbell, director for early years, inequalities, and wellbeing at the EPI, emphasised that screen time and a healthy, active childhood are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Instead of focusing solely on reducing exposure, she advocates for a shift in the conversation towards the quality and purpose of screen use.
Heavy screen users were found to be less likely to engage in regular enrichment activities, such as being read to, sung to, or taken on outdoor trips. This highlights the importance of balancing digital device use with interactive and developmental experiences.
Policy Implications and Upcoming Guidance
In response to growing concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on toddlers' speech development, the Department for Education (DfE) is preparing to release the first government guidance for parents on screen use for children under five. This initiative aims to provide clear, practical advice that reflects real family life, based on an independent evidence review and input from parents.
Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner for England and co-chair of the panel developing this guidance, noted that screens are an integral part of modern life, making it challenging for parents to find the right balance. The upcoming guidance seeks to offer trustworthy advice to help families use digital tools to enhance child development, bonding, and enjoyment during babyhood.
A DfE spokesperson reiterated that parents have expressed a need for non-judgmental guidance, underscoring the urgency of publishing this resource to support families in navigating the digital landscape.
