Further Reading and Research
Here at 50 Things to Do, we know just how vital it is to raise awareness of the screen time crisis in young children.
We have collated the fantastic research and further reading from our partners and organisations who are working towards the same goal of reducing children's screen time, to improve their childhood experiences, and in turn, their life chances.
Have a look through the resources below...
Our kids, their screens, the evidence
As clinicians, Health Professionals for Safer Screens witness the harmful effects of screen time in children daily in their clinics.
Smartphones, screens and social media usage impact every part of our children’s lives from their early cognitive development through to their physical development – obesity, eyesight, eating disorders to their social development, mental health and academic attainment.
This is a disaster for our children and for our society. Watch the video and visit their website to find out more.
What other organisations and professionals are saying...
Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep:
For Children Under 5 Years of Age
The Evidence:
The Impacts of Screen Use & Social Media on the Whole-Child Health
A Health Briefing on the Evidenced Risks of Screens for Early Years Children
Acknowledgements
Sallis, J.F., Prochaska, J.J. and Taylor, W.C. (2000). A review of correlates of physical activity of children and adolescents. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, [online] 32(5), pp.96375. doi:
Mackett, R.L. and Paskins, J. (2008). Children’s Physical Activity: The Contribution of Playing and Walking. Children & Society, 22(5), pp.345–357. doi:
Woffindin, L. (2024). The Impact of Technology on Modern Child Development. [online] CPD Online College.
Speech and Language UK (2024). Impact of speech and language challenges on formative school years revealed. [online] Speech and Language UK.
NHS England (2022). Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years). [online]
Muppalla SK, Vuppalapati S, Reddy Pulliahgaru A, Sreenivasulu H. (2023). Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management. [online] Cureus vol. 15,6 e40608.
Nichani Dr Sanjiv OBE. (2025). Dr Sanjiv Nichani OBE explains the key issues. [online] Health professionals for safer screens.
Roxby Phillipa. (2024). One in three children short-sighted, study suggests. [online] BBC News Health.