The Guardian view on toddlers and screens: more reasons to be fearful of big tech | Editorial

"The laissez-faire approach to the boom in social media, handheld devices and other digital technology was arguably nowhere less suitable than when such machines were placed in front of babies. The Department for Education's ongoing Children of the 2020s study has found that 98% of two-year-olds watch screens on a typical day for more than two hours. Those who spent the most time had smaller vocabularies, and were twice as likely as other children to show signs of emotional and behavioural difficulties."

"Correlation must not be mistaken for causation. This is still a relatively new area of research, and much remains uncertain. But the findings of a recent survey by the charity Kindred Squared, combined with observations by teachers, are highly concerning. Answers from 1,000 primary-school staff revealed that 37% of four-year-olds arrived without basic life skills such as dressing and eating in 2025 up from 33% two years earlier."

"The World Health Organization recommends that children under two should not use screens at all. But even if such prohibitions are unlikely to be heeded by the majority, ministers could be more ambitious in making the case for a precautionary approach. The importance of early speech, communication and emotional development should be clearly explained, and parents given support when they need it."

98% of two-year-olds watch screens on a typical day for more than two hours. Children who spent the most time had smaller vocabularies and were twice as likely as other children to show signs of emotional and behavioural difficulties. Correlation must not be mistaken for causation, and much remains uncertain. A survey of 1,000 primary-school staff found 37% of four-year-olds arrived without basic life skills such as dressing and eating in 2025, up from 33% two years earlier. Contributing factors include cost-of-living pressures and cuts to early years services. The World Health Organization recommends no screens for children under two. Ministers are urged to promote a precautionary approach, explain the importance of early speech, communication and emotional development, and provide parental support.

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