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

Parents Employ Play to Counteract Screen Time’s Grip on Children

The UK government recently introduced updated recommendations, urging parents to cap daily screen exposure for children under five at one hour, and entirely prohibit screens for toddlers under two. These guidelines emphasize “screen swaps,” which involve replacing digital engagement with interactive activities like reading or playing games. Yet, implementing this advice proves challenging for many families. Despite the growing emphasis on balancing technology use, parents share stories of their struggles to foster meaningful connections with their children, as hectic routines, financial pressures, and the allure of screens shape daily life.

A Father’s Mission to Reconnect Families

Errol Murray, the founder of Leeds Dads, has turned his focus toward helping families escape the dominance of screens. Every Saturday, he joins his 10-year-old son Isaac and other local fathers for novel outings—whether exploring nature or participating in soft play sessions that include a complimentary breakfast. “This approach offers a refreshing alternative to sedentary screen time,” Errol explains, noting a shift in his son’s behavior. However, he acknowledges that simply reminding children to disengage from devices often leads to frustration. “They tend to react with anger or distress,” he says, stressing the need for engaging alternatives to pull them away from screens.

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

Errol and Isaac especially cherish group walks in the park, with Isaac often bringing his remote-control car along. “Engaging in activities with your kids, rather than saying ‘see you when you get back,’ allows for deeper, active interaction,” Errol adds. As his initiative expands, parents continue to seek ways to reduce tech reliance while nurturing bonds with their children.

Research Highlights the Importance of In-Person Communication

New findings from the National Literacy Trust reveal a 25% decline in parents engaging in daily play with their children since 2019. Experts argue that these interactions are not only emotional but also biological. A study led by Dr Samuel Forbes and Prof John Spencer at Durham University and the University of East Anglia tracked over 6,000 hours of language exposure across 163 young children over seven days. The focus was on the quality of in-person conversations rather than passive screen-based exposure.

Researchers used recording devices to capture interactions, later analyzing brain development via MRI scans. They discovered that children exposed to richer, more dynamic language environments showed greater myelination, a process linked to faster and more efficient neural signal transmission. “The number of words a child hears during these formative years literally shapes their brain,” Forbes notes. “Each interaction matters, and there’s no shortage of time to start engaging differently.”

“Every interaction is crucial. It’s never too late to begin talking to your child, and it’s never too late to interact in different ways. We can see what it’s doing to the brain.”

Kirsty MacDonald, who leads early years programs at the National Literacy Trust, points out that families facing financial strain often lack the tools to manage screen time effectively. She highlights barriers like work schedules and limited access to affordable local activities. “Many households, especially those in poverty, struggle to provide the necessary support for language and literacy growth,” MacDonald explains.

Yet, for some, screens remain a tool for connection. Sam, another Leeds Dads member, 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, but becoming a parent made it harder to find personal time,” he says. “Now that the kids can appreciate it, it’s become a meaningful shared experience.”

“I’ve always really loved music… Now the kids are old enough to enjoy and appreciate it, it’s become a really beautiful thing.”

While challenges persist, especially when exhaustion sets in after a long day, Sam emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities. “Sometimes, the best choice is to let everyone rest and enjoy a little TV together,” he admits. This balance underscores how families navigate the dual role of technology as both a distraction and a bonding tool.