Screen exposure harms infants; digital use may protect older adults

A comprehensive review conducted by four UK universities and led by Rafe Clayton of the University of Leeds found that regular exposure to smartphones, tablets and other screens for babies and children under two is associated with a range of negative long‑term effects. Identified risks include weaker parent‑child bonding, reduced physical play, language delays, sleep disturbances, visual problems, overstimulation and a higher likelihood of childhood obesity. The authors recommend that children under two should not be intentionally or routinely given screens, calling for clearer guidance for families and for technology firms to avoid marketing screen content to infants, with limited exceptions such as occasional video calls.

A separate meta‑analysis of 57 studies involving more than 411,000 participants aged 50 and older reported a correlation between regular digital device use and a lower incidence of cognitive decline. The findings suggest that interaction with digital tools may help preserve mental sharpness in older adults.