Overview
- A UK-led interdisciplinary review published in late June 2026 concluded that children under two should not receive regular intentional screen time because it offers no meaningful developmental benefit.
- The study links early, repeated screen exposure to weaker parent–child bonding, delayed language development, disrupted sleep, possible eye-health issues and a higher risk of childhood obesity.
- The authors stress their findings show associations not proven causation and recommend a precautionary approach while more research is carried out.
- Researchers asked governments and health services to reconsider guidance that permits limited shared screen use and to create a ‘baby screen-time risk assessment’ to target help to vulnerable families.
- The review highlights that parents’ own screen habits and a lack of clear professional guidance make passive exposure common and says policy changes should focus on offering practical support rather than blaming caregivers.