Researchers at the UK’s Aston University will assess how screen use affects babies and their families during the first 1,001 days of life.

The work, commissioned by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, will be carried out by the interdisciplinary Action on Digital Device Immersive Conditions team (iADDICT), which also includes researchers from Leeds Trinity University, the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham.

The team will review global evidence on how digital exposure influences babies’ physical, psychological, relational and cognitive development, as well as wider family impacts. The aim is to identify knowledge gaps and outline age-specific research priorities to support evidence-based guidance for parents and carers.

Dr Amy Sheppard and Professor James Wolffsohn said their contribution will focus on visual development and tear-film effects, while collaborators will address psychological and behavioural concerns such as addictive patterns. “The aim is to identify how safety cut-offs in digital screen use can be appropriately established,” said the Aston University team.

Dr Matt Price, director of research and grants at the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, said the findings will help shape evidence-based recommendations to support healthier screen-time habits in early childhood.