More than two thirds of children under two use screens - some for up to eight hours a day, report reveals

More than two-thirds of children under the age of two use screens - some watching devices for up to eight hours a day, researchers warned.

Despite recent government guidelines that parents should avoid screen time for kids under two, new research found that one in 10 babies now regularly fall asleep with a screen.

Almost a third of newborns watched screens for more than three hours a day, while nearly 20 per cent of infants aged four to 11 months watched screens for over an hour a day, a new study found.

Babies and toddlers under two are now using screens at levels that far exceed health advice, with experts warning this amount of device use could negatively impact how children develop.

Scientists say the basis of future health and brain development is laid down in the time from pregnancy to the age of two.

The researchers reviewed thousands of studies, finding growing evidence linking higher screen use in babies to poorer development.

These include increased risk of obesity and short-sightedness, sleep problems, behavioural difficulties, language delay and later, challenges forming friendships can develop.

Almost two thirds of the parents in the survey were worried about their own screen use, and over half saw their baby's screen use as problematic.

Despite the clear concern from parents, 85% said they were given no information or advice about screen time from health workers, midwives, GPs or teachers.

The research, commissioned by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation and conducted by the iADDICT research group from four UK Universities, investigated how children's early years are shifting from communicating with adults and other children to more digital interactions.

The researchers reviewed thousands of studies, finding growing evidence linking higher screen use in babies to poorer development.

The researchers also surveyed parents and carers with children under the age of two.

Former Conservative minister, Dame Andrea Leadsom, who founded the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, said the findings were "shocking".

Ms Leadsom said: "Screens are the challenge of our time, and this research demonstrates a critical area where parents urgently need more support.

"It's joyful but hard work having a small baby, and we should be doing everything possible to make it easier, not harder."

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Will Quince, former education and health minister and now the chief executive of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, added: "The burden of screen time cannot fall solely on parents. Tech companies must wake up to the realities of the impact of screen time on babies.

"Content ratings are currently misleading parents, rating content as 'suitable for all ages' or 'suitable for 0+'. We are calling on major tech companies to urgently review these standards."

Parents said they are often offering screens to their babies and toddlers to help manage the stress of daily life and coping with exhaustion.

One parent described their baby's screen time as "a survival skill in my house".

A government spokesperson told Sky News: "Parents told us they want clear, practical, and non-judgemental advice on screen use for under-fives - and we worked hand in hand with them to develop our first-of-its-kind guidance.

"This research is a reminder of the pressures so many parents face, and our guidance is designed to offer realistic, evidence-informed advice that reflects the demands of family life, not to be a rulebook that adds to the pressure.

"It sits alongside our rollout of Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority, backed by £900m, to build on the proud legacy of Sure Start and bring joined-up, in-person support so that parents can access trusted help in their community on screen time and much more."

(c) Sky News 2026: More than two thirds of children under two use screens - some for up to eight hours a d