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Young children and screen time
Digital devices and social media are now a huge part of young people’s everyday lives. While technology can support learning and connection, growing evidence shows that too much screentime, especially unmonitored use, can affect children’s health, wellbeing, and development.
As Health Professionals for Safer Screens highlight, clinicians are increasingly seeing the impact of addictive screen use and harmful online content in their work with children and young people.
Bolton Best Start Family Hubs are here to help families navigate these challenges with practical advice, reliable information, and local support.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations are:
- 0-2 year old - no screen time
- 2-4 year old - up to 1 hour a day screen time
Why screentime matters
Research shows that higher levels of social media and smartphone use are linked with:
- Anxiety, depression, and mood difficulties
- ADHD and OCD type‑ symptoms
- Sleep problems
- Eating disorders and body image concerns
Screens also influence physical and developmental health. Excessive use can impact:
- Early cognitive development
- Speech and language skills (with 2 million UK children now affected, a 27% rise in two years)
- Vision, posture, and physical activity levels
- School performance and concentration
Guidelines for Families in Bolton
Create Healthy Digital Routines
- Keep bedrooms screen free overnight.
- Build in regular screen breaks — every 30 minutes for younger children.
- Protect family time (meals, conversations, shared activities).
- Supported by wider research and guidelines emphasising sleep, routine and balance.
Stay curious about what children see online
It’s not just about how long they’re online — it’s what they’re exposed to: violent content, harmful influencers, unrealistic beauty standards, and risky trends.
Be a digital role model
Children copy the adults around them. When parents set boundaries for themselves, young people are more likely to follow.
Encourage offline activities
Sports, arts, volunteering and creative play help build confidence, resilience and social skills that reduce reliance on screens.
Online Safety
As technology grows and changes so quickly, it can feel tough to stay on top of it all. Having regular, open chats really helps.
There will be moments when children need guidance, especially as they find their way around the online world. They might see something harmful or be contacted by someone they don’t know and that can leave them feeling unsure or upset.
As a parent or carer, stepping in when they need a gentle steer is important. Whether it’s about what they’re posting, who they’re talking to, or how things are making them feel online, keeping those conversations going helps build trust and confidence.