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

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

Following recent government recommendations, children under five are advised to have no more than one hour of screen exposure per day, while toddlers under two should avoid screens altogether. These guidelines emphasize “screen swaps”—replacing digital time with hands-on activities such as storytelling or interactive play. Yet, parents admit implementing such changes can be challenging, especially with hectic routines and the constant allure of technology.

A father’s mission to reconnect

Errol Murray, founder of 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 other local fathers in exploring new experiences, from nature walks to soft play sessions that include a complimentary breakfast. “It’s a refreshing alternative to being glued to screens,” he notes, observing a shift in Isaac’s behavior. “Even with a brief reminder to step away, kids often react with frustration. You need to offer something engaging enough to pull them back.”

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

For the Murray family, group walks in the park are a favorite. Isaac enjoys bringing his remote-control car along, adding a playful twist to the outing. “Being involved in activities with your kids, instead of just saying ‘see you when you get back,’ allows for real connection,” he explains. As the Leeds Dads group expands, many parents share similar struggles in balancing technology use with meaningful interaction.

Research highlights the value of in-person communication

A study led by Dr Samuel Forbes at Durham University and Prof John Spencer at the University of East Anglia revealed that toddlers exposed to more face-to-face conversations develop stronger neural connections. Over seven days, researchers tracked 6,000 hours of language interaction among 163 infants and young children, focusing on the quality of speech rather than passive screen watching. Using MRI scans, they found that those with richer verbal engagement showed enhanced myelin formation, which improves brain signal efficiency.

“The number of words a child hears at these early ages is literally shaping their brain,” says Forbes. “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 the early years program at the National Literacy Trust, points out that families facing financial strain often lack the tools to limit screen time. “Those in poverty may struggle to access resources or support for nurturing language development,” she states. Factors like work schedules and the cost of local activities further complicate efforts to reduce tech reliance.

Despite these hurdles, some parents find inventive ways to incorporate screens into bonding moments. Sam, a member of the Leeds Dads group, shares that his family uses devices creatively. “I used to enjoy music on my tablet, but as a dad, I needed something I could do with my kids,” he says. Now, he teaches his five and six-year-olds to play digital music, turning a personal hobby into a shared experience.

However, even with this approach, time constraints remain a barrier. “You have to seize your moments,” Sam adds. “There are times when everyone is too tired to do anything else, and the best choice is just to watch some TV together.” While challenges persist, communities continue to seek new strategies to foster real-world connection in an increasingly digital world.