Most babies in England already have screen time. A new study from the Education Policy Institute found that screen time is already part of life for newborns, with 72% of babies getting some exposure by 9-months-old, while only 28% had none at all. Rather than banning screens altogether, many parents say they want to focus more on how helpful they can be for their children since they feel screen time and a healthy, active childhood aren’t necessarily opposites. That said, there’s a bit of a catch. Research shows infants who fall into heavier screen use are less likely to be read to, sung to, or taken outside—key activities for development. (Though that doesn’t mean young parents aren’t doing any of those things, despite the discourse!) These findings come as the Department of Education rolls out new guidance for parents of young children amid concerns that too much screen time could impact speech, making it clear that while screens aren’t the villain, balance—as always—is everything. (The Guardian)
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