The parents using play to stop children getting ‘trapped’ by screens

Parents Champion Play to Counter Screen Overuse in Kids

The UK government has released updated guidelines, advising that children under five should have no more than an hour of screen time daily, while under-twos should avoid screens without supervision. The recommendations highlight “screen swaps” as a strategy, encouraging parents to replace digital distractions with activities like reading or playing. However, many parents admit that putting this advice into practice remains a challenge.

Errol Murray, founder of Leeds Dads, has made it his mission to help families reconnect through shared experiences. Every Saturday, he leads outings with his son Isaac and other fathers, exploring activities such as insect hunting or soft play sessions that include a complimentary breakfast. “Switching to screen-free moments is essential,” he says, noting the shift in his son’s behavior:

“When you give them a five or 10-minute warning to come off the screens, we find the response is still the same. They get angry, they get upset, they get agitated.”

He emphasizes the need for engaging alternatives to break children’s reliance on devices.

For some, the solution lies in creative use of technology. Sam, a Leeds Dads member, shares that his family incorporates screens into bonding moments. He uses his tablet’s digital synthesizer to create music, a hobby he now enjoys with his five and six-year-old children.

“I’ve always really loved music,” he says. “But when I became a dad, I struggled to find things I could do for myself.”

Now, the kids are old enough to appreciate it, making it a rewarding activity. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of introducing new routines after long days.

“You have to just seize your moments,” he says. “There are definitely times where you have to just go, ‘Look, everybody is tired, everyone needs a rest, the best thing for us to do is just watch some TV together.'”

Research from the National Literacy Trust underscores the impact of reduced playtime. A 25% drop in daily interactive play with children has been observed since 2019. Experts stress that these moments are vital, not only for emotional growth but also for neurological development. Dr. Samuel Forbes and Prof. John Spencer’s study tracked 6,000 hours of language exposure in 163 toddlers, revealing that richer in-person interactions correlated with greater myelin levels in the brain, which enhance neural communication.

Kirsty MacDonald, head of early years at the National Literacy Trust, notes that financial constraints often limit families’ ability to reduce screen time. “Families, especially those in poverty, may lack the support, information, and resources needed to nurture language skills,” she explains. Work commitments and the cost of local activities further complicate efforts to prioritize meaningful interactions. Despite these hurdles, communities are exploring innovative ways to balance screen use with enriching activities.