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Majority of nine-month-old babies in England now engage in daily screen time
Research shows that three-quarters of infants are using screens before their first birthday
Digital devices are increasingly assuming the role of "digital babysitters" in modern households, with infants as young as nine months old frequently engaging with screens.
A significant study by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) in England has highlighted a growing reliance on smartphones during the earliest stages of development.
The research reveals that approximately 72 per cent of nine-month-old infants experience daily screen time, with the figure rising to 80 per cent for children without siblings.
On average, these infants spend 41 minutes per day in front of a screen. The study found that screen habits remain largely consistent across various households, regardless of wealth or lifestyle.
However, a slight disparity exists in single-parent homes, where infants average 47 minutes of daily screen time compared to 39 minutes in two-parent households.
Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, acknowledged the complexity of the issue for modern families.
She remarked, “Parents today are raising children in a world where screens are part of everyday life – for many, especially in the earliest months of a child’s life, it can be difficult to know what the right balance looks like.”
Dr Tammy Campbell of the EPI suggested a shift in perspective for future policy. She stated, “Instead of simply focusing on demonising any use, and cutting minutes, policymaking and guidance should help families use digital tools to enhance development, bonding and enjoyment of babyhood.”
The researchers observed that heavy digital use often coincides with a decline in traditional enrichment activities, such as reading or outdoor play.