About 70% of babies exposed to screens, study finds

More than 70% of babies are exposed to screens and one in ten regularly falls asleep while using them, a study revealed.

The research was commissioned by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, which was founded by Andrea Leadsom, a former Conservative cabinet member and MP for Northamptonshire.

The study, which took place between February and April, found links between higher screen use and poorer developmental outcomes, such as sleep disruption, delayed language development and behavioural issues.

Jane Murray, a professor of education at University of Northampton, said the study's results aligned with the "limited research findings for this age group that have already been established".

"Babies under two years should not have screen time but if they do, parents should watch with their baby.

"[Parents] should choose content designed for young children that is slow paced, and features clear language, repetition, everyday experiences, and models activities parents can do with children, such as singing, active learning and sensory play," she added.

Government guidance recommends no screen time for children aged under two, other than for shared activities with family that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.

The foundation said the study examined research papers and combined them with surveys and focus groups involving parents.

It was led by the foundation's interdisciplinary Action on Digital Device Immersive Conditions Team, which consists of a group of academics from four universities.

The first 1,001 days of life – from pregnancy to age two – were critical for brain development as up to one million neural connections form every second, the foundation added.

The study found that screen exposure may replace essential human interaction during this period.

However, the study included one parent who said digital devices were "a survival skill" to cope with domestic tasks.

Dame Andrea said the study's findings were "shocking", adding: "All governments need to do much more to help parents increase their own knowledge and give their baby the best start in life."

The study found that 85% of parents surveyed reported they had received no advice on screen use from health services.

The Department of Health and Social Care was contacted for comment.

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