Be screen smart

Screen Awareness week, which runs from Monday 5 May through to Friday 9 May 2025, aims to raise the profile of the impact screen use has on child development, health and well-being.

There are many benefits to using screens/digital devices - academically, professionally and recreationally. However, most children and young people are spending too much time on screens.

High levels of screen time can effect children and young people’s speech and language skills, eyesight, sleep, levels of activity, mental health and behaviour.

Alison Gooding, Speech and Language Therapy Service Manager for South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said, “For the second year now in Ayrshire, we have brought together NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Speech and Language Therapy and Public Health teams and each of the Health & Social Care Partnerships in East, North and South to work together to highlight the effects that high levels of screen time may have on children and young people.

“Evidence suggests that increased screen time usage in children and young people can have a detrimental impact, on both their development and well-being. That’s why it is important that we address these issues and ensure key messages are shared.”

Excessive screen time:

• can cause less time sleeping, poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness for children and young people;

• can cause lower levels of fitness and greater risk of unhealthy weight in children aged 0-18 years;

• can cause low mood and low self-esteem in children aged 0-18 years;

• can impact negatively on social skills and behaviour in children under seven years;

• can impact language development when used the early stages of child’s life; and

• is associated with a smaller vocabulary in children aged two when parents or carers spend long periods of time watching TV or on other electronic devices.

Alison added, “Screens awareness week is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of spending time away from entertainment screens and enjoying connecting with others, playing and experiencing some breathing space.

“During this week we’re asking parents, carers, children and young people to reduce their screen time. Why not try playing a board game or jigsaw, baking a cake, playing sport outdoors or going for a walk.”