One in ten babies regularly falling asleep with a screen

Digital devices are increasingly being used to comfort babies and parents, with one in ten babies now regularly falling asleep with a screen, research has found.

The study, commissioned by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation and conducted by the iADDICT research group across four UK universities, exposes a gap between guidance and reality for many families.

The findings are of particular importance during the 1,001 critical days – the period from pregnancy to age two – which is the most critical time for the development of a healthy body and mind. During this time, a baby’s brain makes one million new connections every second based on their experiences and interactions with the world. This is why understanding the impact of screens in a time when technology is evolving at such a rapid pace is so important.

University of Leeds academic at forefront of research into screen use

Rafe Clayton, Senior Lecturer in Media Practice at the School of Media and Communication, is one of the lead researchers contributing to the world‑class systematic review examining screen time in children under the age of two. His involvement builds on a long-standing commitment to understanding digital exposure and its implications on adults and children.

As a core member of the iADDICT research group, Clayton has been at the forefront of efforts to improve public and professional guidance around screen use. His earlier study, New Uses of Screens in Post‑Lockdown Britain, drew national attention during the pandemic for documenting the rapid acceleration of screen habits among adults, highlighting a cultural shift that has only intensified since. His oral evidence provided to the Education Committee in 2023 has helped shape current policy agendas in schools.

Within iADDICT, Clayton has developed a research agenda that champions an interdisciplinary response to public health concerns around screen time and digitality. The group has consistently argued that existing recommendations have not kept pace with the realities of modern life, particularly as smartphones and tablets have become embedded in daily routines. Clayton’s contributions to the new systematic review reflect this broader mission: to provide a rigorous, evidence‑based foundation for updated guidance that acknowledges both the ubiquity of screens and the need to safeguard social and cognitive development.

This week, the first headlines from the review have been released, offering an early glimpse into its key findings. The full systematic review is scheduled for publication in May, with a comprehensive article to follow later in the year. Together, these outputs are expected to inform national and international conversations about infant screen exposure and the responsibilities of policymakers, health professionals, and technology designers.

Rafe Clayton said: “Babies’ screen time is linked to the digital behaviours of parents and caregivers. Large numbers of adults and babies are using screens more than is considered healthy and we are witnessing a cultural change moving towards more harmful digital lifestyles on a global scale. As the last generation to experience childhood without smartphones and social media now approach their middle age, the future of dyadic caring relationships look likely to become increasingly digitally informed”.

He continued: “As organic memories of a time before ubiquitous digitality diminish, it is essential that more research is undertaken to understand how social interaction is affected by screen time and how potential harms may be mitigated moving forwards”.

Growing body of evidence links higher screen use in babies to poorer developmental outcomes

The researchers reviewed thousands of studies, identifying a growing body of evidence linking higher screen use in babies to poorer developmental outcomes. These include increased risk of obesity, increased risk of short-sightedness (myopia), sleep difficulties, behavioural difficulties, language delay and later challenges with friendships.

Alongside the global systematic review, researchers surveyed parents and carers with babies under the age of two. Screen use was reported in over 70% of babies and under twos, with some using screens for several hours a day. A meaningful minority of babies were exposed to up to eight hours per day.

The findings indicate that babies under the age of two are now using screens at levels that far exceed current health guidance. However, the researchers stress that the response must not be to blame or shame parents. Parents reported offering screens to help manage the stress and realities of daily life, from completing domestic tasks to coping with exhaustion and limited support. One parent described their baby’s screen time as “a survival skill in my house”.

Majority of parents receiving no guidance on screen time

Despite this clear concern from parents, the study found that 85% of parents received no information or guidance about screen time from health professionals such as midwives, health visitors, GPs or educators.

The research highlights the need for greater support for parents during this critical period. It calls for increased access to early years services and clearer guidance around screen use, alongside a review of how digital content for babies is labelled and presented to families. Researchers emphasise that the foundations of future health outcomes are laid during the first 1,001 days, and that understanding the impact of screens is essential as technology continues to evolve rapidly.