In today’s digital age, mobile devices and screens have become an essential part of adult life—and are increasingly making their way into the daily routines of very young children.
A new study has raised concerns over this growing trend, warning that excessive screen time at an early age may be harmful to children’s health and development. Research conducted by University College London found that nearly three out of four children as young as nine months are exposed to screens daily. Alarmingly, some infants spend more than three hours a day in front of mobile phones or other digital devices.
Experts caution that high screen exposure at such a young age can negatively impact both mental and physical development. Issues such as delayed speech, reduced attention span, and limited social interaction may arise.
The study also noted that children who live with siblings or both parents tend to have lower screen usage.
Globally, clear guidelines exist on this issue. According to the World Health Organization, children under the age of two should have no screen time at all, while those aged two to four should be limited to no more than one hour per day. However, in practice, very few children worldwide meet these recommendations.
Experts emphasize that the issue is not just the duration of screen time, but also how screens are used. If screen use replaces essential activities such as playing, talking, and reading, it can be even more harmful. Parents are therefore encouraged to engage with their children during screen use and treat it as a learning tool rather than a substitute for real-life interaction.
Medical professionals have further warned that excessive screen exposure may contribute to psychological and developmental issues in children, including speech delays and concerns such as “virtual autism.” They stress the importance of monitoring children’s habits early on and limiting screen use to ensure healthy growth and development.
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