Playing, talking and walking: How parents are fighting against screen time

Playing, Talking and Walking: Parents’ Struggles Against Screen Time

The UK government recently released updated guidelines recommending that children under five years old be restricted to one hour of screen exposure daily, while toddlers under two should avoid screens altogether. These recommendations emphasize “screen swaps,” encouraging families to replace digital time with face-to-face activities like reading or playing. Yet, parents describe the task as more challenging than it appears. Balancing hectic schedules, financial pressures, and the omnipresence of technology has made it difficult to shift focus to meaningful interactions.

The Mission of Leeds Dads

Errol Murray, a co-founder of Leeds Dads, has made it his goal to help families reconnect. Each Saturday, he leads a group of fathers and his 10-year-old son Isaac on adventures—whether exploring nature or engaging in soft play sessions with free breakfasts. Errol highlights the shift in behavior he’s observed: “Even a short 5-10 minute reminder to disconnect often results in the same reaction. They get angry, upset, or agitated.” He stresses the need for engaging alternatives: “You have to find something that makes them turn away from phones, screens, and tablets, because you get trapped there.”

For the father-son pair, park walks are a favorite. Isaac often brings his remote-control car along, adding a playful element to the outings. Errol explains that active participation strengthens connections: “Doing something with your kids, instead of saying ‘see you when you get back,’ means you’re able to actively build a connection.”

Language and Brain Development

A study by Dr Samuel Forbes of Durham University and Prof John Spencer of the University of East Anglia analyzed over 6,000 hours of language exposure across 163 infants and toddlers over a week. The research prioritized in-person conversations and interactions over screen-based listening. Using MRI scans, the team found that children exposed to richer verbal exchanges showed greater myelin formation, which aids nerve signal efficiency. Forbes notes: “The number of words a child hears at these early ages is literally shaping their brain. Every interaction is crucial.”

Despite the evidence, many parents admit to struggling with limiting screen time. Kirsty MacDonald, who leads early years initiatives at the National Literacy Trust, points to barriers like work demands and limited access to local resources: “Families, especially those in poverty, often lack the support, information, and resources to nurture their child’s language development effectively.”

Creative Screen Use

Some parents embrace technology in unique ways. Sam, a member of the Leeds Dads group, uses his tablet’s digital synthesizer to create music—a hobby he now shares with his five and six-year-old children. “I’ve always loved music,” he says. “But becoming a dad made it hard to find time for myself. Now the kids are old enough to enjoy it, it’s become a beautiful thing.”

Sam acknowledges the difficulty of replacing screen time with other activities, especially after long days. “You have to just seize your moments,” he adds. “There are times when everyone is tired, and the best choice is to watch TV together.”

Community Efforts Amid Challenges

While challenges persist, communities are experimenting with solutions. The National Literacy Trust reports a 25% decline in daily playtime with children since 2019, underscoring the urgency of the issue. Experts stress that in-person language exposure isn’t just emotionally beneficial—it’s biologically essential. As Errol’s network grows, the movement aims to rekindle the joy of shared experiences, proving that creativity and commitment can counteract the dominance of digital screens.