Screen Awareness week, which runs from Monday 2 March through to Friday 6 March 2026, aims to raise the profile of the impact screen use has on child development, health and well-being.
This year, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Speech and Language Therapy team want to highlight the crucial role parents and carers play in shaping healthy screen habits for children and young people by urging families across Ayrshire to take simple, practical steps to reduce screen use, particularly by adults setting positive examples. Making time for screen‑free meals, play, conversation and outdoor activities can all significantly support children’s development.
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. Excessive screen time can affect 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 third year now in Ayrshire, we have brought together NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Speech and Language Therapy and Public Health teams 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’s so important that we support families, and encourage parents and carers to lead by example by spending more time away from screens themselves.”
Throughout the week, families will be encouraged to reflect on their daily routines and consider small changes that help children thrive—switching off devices during family time, enjoying active play, and prioritising face to face interaction.
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.”
Screen Awareness Week aims to support parents and carers to build lifelong healthy habits, ensuring children grow up confident, connected and supported in a balanced digital world.
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