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

Playing, Talking and Walking: How Parents Are Countering Screen Time

The UK government has released updated recommendations, urging parents to restrict screen-based activities for children under five to a maximum of one hour per day. Infants younger than two are advised against solitary screen exposure altogether. This guidance promotes “screen swaps,” encouraging families to replace digital engagement with activities like shared storytelling or interactive play. However, implementing these changes proves challenging for many, as the BBC reports through parents’ experiences.

Errol Murray’s Mission to Reconnect

Errol Murray, a father and founder of Leeds Dads, has made it his mission to help families disconnect from technology. Every Saturday, he leads a group of local fathers and his 10-year-old son Isaac on adventures, such as exploring nature or participating in soft play sessions that include a complimentary meal. “It’s a refreshing break from screens,” Errol explains. “When you give them a brief heads-up to leave the screens, the reaction is often the same: they get frustrated, emotional, and restless.” He emphasizes the need for engaging alternatives to pull children away from digital devices.

“You’ve got to find something that makes them turn away from phones, screens and tablets, because you get trapped there.” – Errol Murray

The father-son pair particularly relish group outings in the park, where Isaac can bring his remote-controlled car along. “Being involved with your kids instead of saying, ‘See you when you get back,’ allows you to create meaningful connections,” Errol notes. As his initiative expands, parents share struggles in balancing technology use with quality time.

New Research Highlights Language’s Impact

A recent study by Durham University and the University of East Anglia examined how in-person interactions influence language development. Researchers tracked over 6,000 hours of speech exposure among 163 babies and toddlers across a week, focusing on the richness of live conversations rather than screen-based listening. Using MRI scans, they measured myelin levels—a neural substance linked to efficient signal transmission. The findings showed that children exposed to more engaging language and face-to-face communication exhibited greater myelination, suggesting improved language processing.

“The number of words a child hears at these early stages is literally shaping their brain,” says Dr. Samuel Forbes. “Every interaction is crucial. It’s never too late to begin talking to your child, and it’s never too late to connect in new ways.” – Dr. Samuel Forbes

Kirsty MacDonald, director of early years at the National Literacy Trust, highlights that families in financial hardship often face barriers to limiting screen time. These include time constraints from work, as well as the cost and accessibility of local activities. “Many households lack the support, information and resources to nurture their child’s language and literacy growth,” she explains.

Sam, another member of the Leeds Dads group, acknowledges the role screens play in family bonding. While his family uses technology, he has integrated it creatively—playing music on a tablet with his five and six-year-old children. “I’ve always loved music,” he says. “But after becoming a parent, I struggled to find time for personal hobbies. Now that the kids are old enough to enjoy it, it’s become a meaningful shared activity.” Despite this, he admits adapting routines can be tough, especially after long days. “You have to seize your moments,” he adds. “Sometimes, the best option is just watching TV together when everyone is tired.”

Challenges and Community Solutions

While challenges persist, some communities are innovating to support families. By reimagining traditional activities and leveraging technology as a tool rather than a replacement, parents strive to foster deeper connections. These efforts underscore the importance of balancing digital engagement with real-world interaction, even as demands on time and resources continue to rise.