No screen time for babies, new campaign advises

A new campaign backed by the States is advising parents not to give children under the age of two any screen time.

The "Screens Away, Time to Play" initiative also recommends limiting screen time to a maximum of one hour for children aged between two and four.

Ruth Sharp, States Early Years Team lead, said studies showed "fast-paced screen content can overwhelm babies and toddlers, whose brains process information much more slowly".

Chloe, who was playing with her daughter at children's centre Kindred Family Hub, said: "We try to actively think about screen time. For our younger one it is important she comes here as she can interact with other children her age, but also learn through play."

Backed by World Health Organization research, the campaign is run by the States Early Years Team, Public Health and speech and language professions.

The advice highlights the importance of limited children screen time to help them develop.

It also it looks at how parents can help their children by limiting their own screen time and focusing on face to face contact.

Zara Betts, a specialist early years speech and language therapist, said the campaign was not about "blaming or shaming parents" but "recognising how hard modern parenting is".

She said it offered "supportive, evidence-based guidance to help families make informed choices".

Betts said: "Research shows that young children learn best through real-life interaction - that's through talking, playing, singing, reading and simply spending time together.

"Screens Away, Time to Play shares realistic, low-cost ideas that fit into everyday family life.

"These small changes can make a big difference to a child's communication, attention and overall development."

The head of the Early Years Team said the aim was not to add pressure, but to offer clear, informed advice that feels practical for busy families.

Sharp added excess screen time "can place their nervous systems under stress and affect early foundations for learning and wellbeing".

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