Researchers have warned that babies and toddlers under the age of two should avoid screen time, saying prolonged exposure could have lasting negative effects on their health, development, and overall quality of life.

A landmark study found that the use of smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices during the first two years of life may contribute to a broad range of developmental problems, according to The Guardian.

The researchers urged further urgent investigation into the potential risks posed by screen exposure during infancy.

The findings come as public attention remains focused on teenagers’ digital habits and government proposals to restrict social media access for children under 16. However, the researchers cautioned that infants have become a “blind spot” in policymaking, despite screens becoming increasingly common in everyday parenting.

Rafe Clayton, a senior lecturer in media and communication at the University of Leeds and co-leader of the study, said many parents, without clear guidance on managing their own screen use, were unintentionally encouraging babies and young children to develop unhealthy relationships with digital devices.

“This has to change,” he said.

The researchers described their work as the most comprehensive review to date of global evidence on screen use among young children and urged the government to revisit its recently issued guidance on screen time for children under five.

Current recommendations advise that children younger than two should avoid screen time, but make an exception for shared activities that promote bonding, interaction, and conversation between children and caregivers.

However, the new review highlights a broad range of potential risks linked to screen exposure in infancy. These include fewer opportunities for babies to bond with parents and caregivers, reduced physical play with other children, and slower language development.

The study also suggests that early screen use may contribute to overstimulation, disrupted sleep, poor eye health, and an increased risk of childhood obesity. Researchers further expressed concern that some infants are increasingly relying on digital devices for comfort and emotional soothing instead of seeking reassurance from a parent or caregiver.

The review, carried out by researchers from four UK universities under the Action on Digital Device Immersive Conditions Team, did not find conclusive evidence that screen use directly causes specific developmental disorders. However, the researchers strongly recommended that children under the age of two should not be intentionally exposed to screens on a regular basis.

While acknowledging that some passive exposure to digital devices is difficult to avoid in modern society, the report argued that deliberately introducing screen time only increases potential risks without offering any meaningful developmental benefits for infants.

“This could potentially lead caregivers to believe that screen time for the under-twos is without developmental harm, which may result in an exacerbation of developmental delays and isolating behaviours for those who are already at greater risk.”