What is Screen Time Costing our Children in the Early Years?
In a world where screens are everywhere—from smart TVs and tablets to phones in our pockets—it’s no surprise that even our youngest children are being drawn into the digital swirl. But as technology becomes more embedded in daily life, a growing body of research is urging us to pause and ask: What is screen time costing our children in the early years? Toddler tantrums & tech — what’s really going on? You’re in a café. Your toddler’s bored. You hand them your phone. Peace… for now. Sound familiar? In today’s digital world, more and more parents are turning to screens to soothe toddler meltdowns. But while it might feel like a lifeline in the moment, over time it can delay something far more important: your child’s ability to regulate emotions. Tantrums aren’t “bad behaviour.” They’re big feelings in little people who don’t yet have the words—or the tools—to cope. As a parenting expert, I help families shift from “Plug in and Pacify” to “Pause and Connect.” Here are 3 quick tips to help your toddler learn emotional resilience—without always reaching for tech: Name it to tame it – “You’re feeling cross because we had to leave the park.” Create a calm corner – A cosy space with books, cuddly toys, or sensory items. Model calm – Your calm is contagious. Breathe through the storm together. Let’s raise children who can feel their feelings—not fear them. Let’s use tech intentionally—not as a crutch. Pause to Ponder and if you need a hand I’m here to help. 1. The Science of Screen Exposure The first five years of life are a time of incredible brain development. During this window, children’s brains are building the neural foundations for empathy, language, attention, and emotional regulation. And the best way to support that growth? Through real-world, multi-sensory interactions—not screens. When children engage with people, nature, and open-ended play, they experience the kind of stimulation that strengthens brain architecture. But when screens dominate the early years: These aren’t just minor hiccups—they’re foundational to a child’s lifelong wellbeing. 2. Tech in the Nursery: Helpful or Harmful? Screens are becoming more common in early years settings—sometimes used for entertainment, sometimes for managing behaviour, and often marketed as “educational.” But most so-called educational apps are built for profit, not child development. They often offer flashy animations and reward-based systems that interrupt deeper thinking and learning. More importantly, screen time can displace the very things young children need most: When screens are overused, they crowd out the simple joys of childhood—the games, the giggles, the mess, the magic. 3. Early Attachment in a Digital Age Let’s talk about technoference—that moment when a parent looks down at their phone during play, or scrolls through messages while feeding their baby. It may seem small, but for a child, these interruptions can chip away at their sense of being seen, heard, and valued. Young children don’t just need to be cared for; they need to feel emotionally connected. Screens can’t offer that connection—only human presence can. Secure attachment forms through micro-moments: eye contact, soothing words, shared laughter. These are the interactions that teach a child, “You matter. You’re safe. You are loved.” 4. Reclaiming Childhood Childhood isn’t a race. It’s not a performance. It’s a sacred time of wonder, curiosity, and discovery. Reclaiming it in the digital age means having the courage to say: It’s not about banning technology but about making intentional choices. Let’s model presence. Let’s protect time for play, connection, and creativity. Let’s remember that the best “app” for a young child is a present adult. A Final Thought Our children are growing up in a digital world, and that isn’t going to change. But the way we introduce and balance technology can change. Let’s start early. Let’s be thoughtful. Let’s reclaim childhood—not just for our kids, but for ourselves too. Need a little extra support?Download my ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle. A Parents’ Guide to Manage Toddlers and Tech with Scripts to feel more confident, connected, and calm—one moment at a time. Let’s start a conversation.How are you managing tantrums and tech at home or in your setting?
