A recent study conducted by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) found that approximately 75% of nine-month-old infants in England are allowed daily screen time, with only a small percentage identified as 'heavy users', consuming more than three hours per day. The average screen time among these babies is reported to be around 41 minutes daily. This research draws on a significant dataset from 8,000 families involved in the Children of the 2020s study, which aims to understand various aspects of childhood development in contemporary settings.

The findings also indicate that the trends for screen time usage are consistent across different socioeconomic backgrounds, suggesting that parents from various income levels share similar screen time practices with their infants. The researchers argue that screen time and healthy childhood activities can coexist, emphasizing that screen usage should not be seen solely in a negative light. By indicating that screen time does not inherently deter a child's healthy growth, they propose a shift in how policymakers should address digital media exposure in early childhood.

Instead of urging parents to eliminate screen time completely or to fear its potential effects, the researchers advocate for a more supportive approach. They suggest that policies should facilitate parents in harnessing digital devices to contribute positively to child development and to strengthen parent-baby relationships. By focusing on the potential benefits and quality of interactions facilitated by screens, stakeholders could foster healthier habits around technology use from an early age.