The parents using play to stop children getting ‘trapped’ by screens

The parents using play to stop children getting ‘trapped’ by screens

The Screen Time Dilemma

Recent UK government guidelines have set a limit on daily screen exposure for young children, recommending no more than one hour for those aged five and under, and no solo screen time for toddlers under two. The advice promotes “screen swaps” — replacing screen-based activities with shared experiences like storytelling or physical play. Yet, parents report that implementing these changes is not always straightforward. Busy routines, financial pressures, and the allure of digital entertainment continue to shape family dynamics, making it harder to prioritize meaningful interactions.

A Growing Movement

Errol Murray, a founder of Leeds Dads, has turned reconnecting families into a personal goal. Every Saturday, he and a group of local fathers engage children in varied activities, such as exploring nature at a lake or participating in soft play sessions with a complimentary meal. For his son Isaac, these outings have made a noticeable difference. “When we give a five or ten-minute heads-up to unplug from screens, the reaction is often the same: frustration, anger, or restlessness,” Errol explains. He emphasizes the need for compelling alternatives to pull children away from devices, as they can easily become absorbed in digital worlds.

The Science Behind Language Exposure

A study led by Dr Samuel Forbes at Durham University and Prof John Spencer at the University of East Anglia examined over 6,000 hours of language interactions among 163 infants and toddlers. The research focused on the quality of spoken communication, comparing in-person exchanges to screen-based exposure. Using MRI scans, the team analyzed myelin levels in the children’s brains, finding that those engaged in richer conversations showed increased myelination, which enhances neural signal efficiency. “The number of words a child hears at these early ages is literally shaping their brain,” says Forbes. “Every interaction is crucial. It’s never too late to begin talking to your child, and it’s never too late to interact in different ways. We can see what it’s doing to the brain.”

Barriers to Engagement

Kirsty MacDonald, head of early years at the National Literacy Trust, highlights that many families, especially those in poverty, struggle to access the support, resources, and information needed to foster language development. Factors like work demands and the cost of local activities often limit parents’ ability to reduce screen time effectively. While technology can still serve as a tool for connection, it’s clear that sustained, high-quality interaction is vital for a child’s growth.

Balancing Technology with Connection

Sam, another parent in the Leeds Dads group, shares how screens can be adapted to strengthen bonds. He uses his tablet’s digital synthesizer to create music, a hobby now enjoyed with his five and six-year-old children. “I’ve always really loved music,” he says. “But when I became a dad, I struggled to find things I could do for myself. Now the kids are old enough to appreciate it, it’s become a really beautiful thing.” Still, he acknowledges the difficulty of shifting routines. “You have to just seize your moments,” he adds. “There are definitely times where you have to go, ‘Look, everybody is tired, everyone needs a rest, the best thing for us to do is just watch some TV together.'”