Is Screen Time Really Harmful in 2025?

By Dr. Leo Bennett, Child Development Advisor | Expert Advice Column | Childcare Standards Council

In today’s digital first world, the question many parents are asking is: Is screen time still harmful for children in 2025? With tablets in nurseries, online learning platforms in early years settings, and a growing number of digital “learning apps”, screens have become part of childhood in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago.

As a paediatric development advisor, I often reassure families that the relationship between screen time and child wellbeing is not as black and white as headlines may suggest. What matters most isn’t just how much screen time a child has, but how, when, and why they are using it.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what the latest evidence says about screen time for children in 2025 and how you can strike a healthy, realistic balance at home.

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Screen Time: What Do We Mean?

“Screen time” covers a wide variety of digital interactions from video calls with grandparents to playing educational games or watching cartoons. In 2025, screen use has evolved to include:

• Tablets and smartphones

• Interactive TV

• Educational apps

• Video calls

• Augmented reality (AR) play

• Online learning resources

  
  

Not all screen time is created equal. Passive consumption of videos differs greatly from active, supervised play using interactive learning tools.

What the Research Tells Us in 2025

Over the past decade, the research around screen time and child development has become more nuanced. Rather than simply warning against screen use, experts now focus on three main factors:

1. Content: What is being watched or played?

2. Context: Is it co viewed or solo?

3. Duration: How long is the child using screens each day?

   
   

Key findings include:

• Excessive passive screen use (especially in children under 2) is associated with delayed language development, reduced attention spans, and poorer sleep quality.

• High quality educational content, when co viewed with an adult, can support learning, vocabulary growth, and even early literacy skills.

• Interactive digital play can improve problem solving and fine motor skills when well designed and age appropriate.

• Background TV or screen use during meals or play can disrupt attention, communication and bonding opportunities.

  
  

Updated Screen Time Guidelines (UK, 2025)

While there is no formal screen time limit set by the UK government, health authorities including the NHS and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health offer the following guidance in 2025:

• Under 2 years: Avoid solo screen use. Video calling with loved ones is fine.

• Ages 2 to 5: Up to 1 hour of screen time per day is acceptable, focusing on high quality content and co viewing where possible.

• Ages 5+: Aim to balance screen use with physical activity, sleep and in person social interaction.

  
  

Rather than focusing on strict time limits, parents are encouraged to prioritise screen quality, family interaction, and healthy routines.

Is All Screen Time Bad?

The short answer is no. In fact, some screen time can be beneficial, particularly when it is:

Educational

Apps and programmes designed by child development experts can support early learning. In 2025, many high quality resources use AI or adaptive learning tools to tailor content to your child’s level.

Social

Video chats with family members especially for children with long distance relatives support language and emotional development.

Co viewed

When parents or carers watch and discuss screen content with children, they help build comprehension, vocabulary, and connection.

Limited and Balanced

Screens shouldn’t replace physical play, sleep, or face to face communication. A healthy daily rhythm with meals, rest, and screen free time remains essential.

Potential Risks of Excessive Screen Use

When not managed mindfully, screen use can lead to:

• Sleep disruption: Particularly when screens are used in the hour before bed

• Reduced physical activity: Leading to potential weight gain or poor coordination

• Behavioural issues: Linked to overstimulation, short attention spans or exposure to inappropriate content

• Delayed speech or social skills: Particularly in toddlers with minimal in person interaction

  
  

The impact varies from child to child, which is why it’s important to observe how your child responds to screen use rather than relying on one size fits all rules.

Practical Tips for Healthy Screen Habits

If you're unsure how to create a balanced approach, here are some practical, science informed tips for managing screen time in 2025:

Choose Wisely

Opt for age appropriate, non violent, and slow paced programmes. Avoid content with rapid flashing images or aggressive advertising.

Watch Together

Whenever possible, sit with your child and engage with what they’re watching or doing. Ask questions, repeat key words, and connect the content to real life experiences.

Set Daily Limits

Have consistent routines with defined screen and screen free times (e.g., no screens during meals or before bedtime).

Keep Bedrooms Screen Free

Avoid TVs, tablets and phones in bedrooms, particularly for under fives. This supports better sleep and reduces the temptation for unsupervised use.

Balance with Active Play

Ensure your child gets plenty of physical activity, outdoor time, and imaginative play every day.

Be a Role Model

Children learn screen habits from adults. Set a good example by using devices purposefully and taking screen breaks yourself.

Technology in Early Years Settings: A Balanced Approach

Many nurseries and early years settings in 2025 use digital tools to support learning. While some parents express concern, it’s worth noting:

• Digital resources are often used in short, structured bursts, not all day

• Activities are typically interactive and adult led

• Screens may support inclusion for children with special educational needs or language delays

  
  

Ask your child’s nursery how they use technology and how it fits within a broader play based approach.

Final Thoughts: A Balanced View for Modern Families

Screen time in 2025 is not inherently harmful but how we use it makes all the difference. Rather than fearing technology, we can aim for a thoughtful balance that:

• Prioritises human connection

• Encourages movement and exploration

• Uses digital tools to enhance, not replace, early learning

• Keeps routines predictable and screen use intentional

  
  

Children are growing up in a digital world, and it’s our job as parents, carers, and professionals to help them develop the skills, boundaries and habits they need to thrive both online and off.