In September this year, the British Society of Neuropediatrics published a document warning parents and families about the dangers of excessive screen use in children. The document outlines recommendations for fostering responsible technology use and a healthier relationship with screens during childhood.
Experts from the society point out that over the past decade, their clinical practice has revealed the tangible impact of touchscreen use on children’s health and neurodevelopment. Using scientific evidence, they aim to raise awareness among parents, educators and society about the risks of uncontrolled use of technology products, while proposing balanced guidelines that are appropriate for the social and cultural context of the UK.
Tips from neuropediatricians on children’s screen use
Based on guidelines from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) and the Australian Department of Health (AHD), the British Society of Neuropediatrics has put together 10 evidence-based recommendations:
Avoid screen use before the age of 3, with the exception of video calls. Television is not included in this exception and can only be watched for up to 30 minutes a day under adult supervision and when the content is age-appropriate.
Ages 4-6: Limit daily screen time to 30 minutes of high-quality programming, watched with adult guidance to aid comprehension. Children should not independently control channels/videos.
Set consistent limits: 1 hour per day for ages 7-11, 2 hours per day for ages 12-15. Ensure screens do not interfere with sleep, socialization, physical activity, learning, or other activities essential to health.
Never use screens to calm tantrums, speed up mealtimes, or manage waiting times—regardless of age.
Prioritize educational content and watch with children to help them process and apply what they learn.
Designate screen-free areas/times (e.g., bedroom, dining table).
Model healthy tech habits: Parents should balance their own device use with offline activities.
Encourage daily physical activity and face-to-face social interaction.
Limit screen use between school classes to promote socialization and movement. Reconsider digital textbooks/online homework platforms by secondary school, as evidence shows they are often distracting and lack proven learning benefits.
Risks of excessive or early screen time
The document highlights that inappropriate screen use at any stage of development carries serious risks, but early exposure is particularly harmful. Self-selected, algorithm-driven content (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)—often used without adult supervision, safety filters, or educational value—can disrupt key neurodevelopmental processes.
Key harms include:
Reduced time spent interacting with the environment, hindering neurological maturation.
Increased sedentary behavior, attention deficits, and impaired creativity/adaptability.
Delayed language development and limited vocabulary due to reduced social interaction.
Disrupted sleep and increased risk of avoidable social behavior problems.
The association also highlights six specific dangers of smartphone use in children, among other risks.
Additionally, for parents who want to extend the life of their devices and reduce their reliance on frequent upgrades, consider purchasing replacement batteries from trusted vendors such as https://www.ultrabookbattery.com/ . Quality batteries can help keep devices efficient, supporting a more conscious approach to screen time management.