The parents using play to stop children getting ‘trapped’ by screens
The Parents Using Play to Stop Children Getting ‘Trapped’ by Screens
UK authorities have introduced updated recommendations, limiting daily screen exposure for children under five to a single hour and advising no solitary screen use for toddlers under two. The strategy emphasizes “screen swaps,” where digital engagement is exchanged for in-person activities such as reading or playing. Yet, as parents share with the BBC, implementing this approach can be as difficult as it sounds. Balancing hectic routines, financial pressures, and the allure of technology poses ongoing challenges in fostering meaningful family connections.
The Mission to Reconnect
Errol Murray, a leader at Leeds Dads, has made it his goal to help families break free from screen dependency. Every Saturday, he joins his 10-year-old son Isaac and a group of fathers in exploring new experiences—like hunting for insects at a lake or participating in soft play sessions with a complimentary breakfast. “Switching from screens to real-world activities creates a refreshing break,” Errol explains, noting how his son’s behavior has shifted. “A brief warning to leave devices often leads to resistance—anger, frustration, or agitation. You need to offer something compelling enough to draw them away.”
“You’ve got to find something that makes them turn away from phones, screens and tablets, because you get trapped there.”
While group walks in the park remain a favorite, Isaac especially enjoys bringing his remote-control car along. “Engaging with your child instead of saying ‘see you when you get back’ allows you to build a stronger bond,” Errol adds. As the Leeds Dads network expands, many parents confess to struggling with finding effective ways to curb screen time and deepen interaction.
The Biological Impact of Interaction
Recent findings from the National Literacy Trust reveal a decline in daily playtime with children, with a 25% drop in parents engaging in such activities since 2019. Experts argue these moments are not just emotionally significant but also biologically essential. A study by Dr Samuel Forbes and Prof John Spencer tracked over 6,000 hours of language exposure among 163 infants and toddlers, focusing on the quality of in-person communication versus screen-based listening.
Using MRI scans, researchers analyzed myelin levels in children’s brains, a substance that aids neural signal transmission. They found that those exposed to richer interactions and more dynamic language showed greater myelination, indicating improved language processing. “The words children hear during these early years literally shape their brain,” Forbes notes. “Each interaction matters, no matter when it begins.”
Barriers to Change
Kirsty MacDonald, head of early years at the National Literacy Trust, highlights that many families—especially those facing financial hardship—lack the resources or support to limit screen time effectively. Work demands and the cost of local activities often hinder efforts to create quality time. However, some parents find alternative uses for technology. Sam, a member of Leeds Dads, shares how his family incorporates screens creatively. Using a digital synthesizer on his tablet, he now collaborates with his five and six-year-old children on music projects.
“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.”
“I’ve always loved music,” Sam says. “But as a parent, I had trouble finding time for hobbies. Now that the kids are old enough to appreciate it, it’s become a beautiful shared experience.” Despite this, he admits that introducing new activities isn’t always straightforward, particularly after long days. “You have to seize your moments,” he says. “Sometimes, the best choice is to let the family unwind with a bit of TV together.”
