Little Screens, Big Impact: What the Science is Telling Us
We all know screens aren’t perfect, but many parents (and teachers) feel trapped by them.
They’re tools, they’re lifelines, and sometimes they’re the only way to cook dinner or get five minutes of peace.
But new research from Harvard has sounded the alarm: young children who spend more than two hours a day on screens show delays in language, self-regulation, and emotional understanding. The parts of the brain most affected? Those responsible for social connection and attention span.
Teachers are seeing the effects - shorter play sequences, lower tolerance for boredom, and less imaginative language. Recently nurseries have been reporting that some children are arriving age three with no language at all. Something which should worry everyone.
Parents feel it too - the tantrums when screens go off, the battles over “just one more episode.”
But this isn’t about guilt. It’s about reclaiming balance.
Three small tips:
1. Introduce one “tech-free window” a day - even 20 minutes between tea and bedtime. It’s amazing how quickly children re-engage with play when boredom has room to breathe.
2. Use a kitchen timer - explain before hand that you are going to allow them a set time on the screen. You can give the illusion of involving them by discussing with them
‘Do you think 15 minutes is enough time on the screen, or 20 minutes?’ (make the longest amount be no longer than the recommended daily amount of screen time for their age. See the Guide on our home page.)
Set that time on the timer.
Show them the number on the timer and explain that when the timer goes off, the screen will have to go off/back in the cupboard.
Press start on the timer.
WHEN THE TIMER GOES OFF, FOLLOW THROUGH WITH WHAT YOU HAVE AGREED TOGETHER - NO MATTER WHAT. You have told them what’s going to happen and agreed guidelines with them, so even though they don’t like it, that is what must happen. They will certainly not like it, but your job is to hold the boundaries.
Sometimes giving a five minute warning before the alarm goes off helps your child to prepare themselves for what’s happening.
3. Agree when you set the timer, what comes next - Suggest something they like and have it ready to do afterwards. You don’t have to go to town or prepare anything special, just get the lego or dressing up box out ready. Then, when the alarm goes off and the inevitable fed-up-ness rears it’s head, there is already something there to re-direct or instruct them.
Although screens are convenient and work wonders, remember all the time that they are probably as dangerous to their health as some other things you would never dream of letting them do - like eating too many sweets, or even passive smoking.
But remember - playing together is a habit and there is nothing in the world that your child would rather do than spend time doing that with you! Allowing yourself the time to let all the other stuff go and immerse yourself in play with them is a luxury, and it’s ok to allow yourself that.
