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

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

Recent guidelines from the UK government suggest that children under five should be restricted to one hour of screen time daily, while toddlers under two should avoid screens altogether. These recommendations advocate for “screen swaps” — moments where digital devices are replaced with hands-on activities such as storytelling or interactive games. However, parents reveal that implementing this approach can be challenging. Despite the best intentions, the daily demands of work, financial pressures, and the allure of technology often strain family time.

Errol Murray, a leader at Leeds Dads, has made reconnecting families a personal focus. Each Saturday, he and a group of local fathers engage in varied activities with their children, from exploring nature in parks to playing in soft play areas that also offer meals. “When you give them a short notice to stop using screens, they still react with frustration,” Errol shares. “You need to find something that pulls them away from phones, tablets, and TVs, because once they’re hooked, they stay there.”

Building connections through shared experiences

Errol’s family particularly enjoys outdoor strolls, especially when his son Isaac can bring his remote-controlled car along. “Engaging in activities with your kids instead of just saying ‘see you later’ allows you to form meaningful bonds,” he explains. As the Leeds Dads network expands, more parents express difficulty in balancing tech use with quality time. A recent study by the National Literacy Trust highlights a 25% decrease in parents who interact with their children daily since 2019, emphasizing the need for alternative strategies.

Researchers at Durham University and the University of East Anglia tracked over 6,000 hours of language exposure among 163 infants and toddlers across a week. They measured myelin levels in the children’s brains via MRI scans, discovering that those with richer in-person interactions developed faster myelination. This suggests that real-time conversations help children process language more efficiently. “The words a child hears during early years shape their brain,” says Dr Samuel Forbes. “Each interaction matters, and it’s never too late to create new ones.”

Barriers to reducing screen time

Kirsty MacDonald, director of early years at the National Literacy Trust, notes that many families, especially those in financial hardship, face obstacles in limiting screen exposure. These include time constraints due to work, as well as limited access to local activities and the cost of alternatives. Yet, some parents find creative ways to integrate technology into bonding moments. Sam, a member of Leeds Dads, uses his tablet to create music with a digital synthesizer, a hobby he now shares with his five and six-year-old children.

“I always loved music, but as a dad, I struggled to find personal time,” Sam reflects. “Now that the kids are old enough to appreciate it, it’s become a special part of our routine.” While introducing new activities can be tough — especially after long days — Sam acknowledges that screens still hold value. “Sometimes, when everyone is tired, the best choice is to watch TV together. It’s not about eliminating tech, but using it mindfully.”