Why Babies Don’t Need Screens, But Your Presence

In a world constantly connected to phones, tablets, and televisions, it almost seems natural for a small child to be exposed to screens from the very first months of life. However, evidence gathered by UNICEF and backed by neuroscience experts shows that this early exposure can profoundly harm a child’s development. Babies don’t need sophisticated apps, but real people—people who talk to them, laugh with them, respond, and offer authentic presence.

A baby’s brain learns through human contact, not from digital content. Neuroscientist Patricia Kuhl has shown that babies under one year old don’t learn anything meaningful from videos, no matter how attractive they are. What truly triggers learning is direct, personal interaction with an adult who responds in real time to the baby’s gaze, babble, or gestures. These moments are essential for the development of language, curiosity, and empathy. Unlike an app, a human face expresses emotions, provides immediate feedback, and builds emotional bonds.

Beyond its effect on learning, screen exposure also negatively impacts children’s ability to concentrate. Unlike a book read in a gentle voice—which gives them time to process and imagine—digital content is fast-paced, fragmented, and overwhelming. This constant stream of stimuli can reduce a child’s ability to stay focused, follow simple tasks, or listen actively. In the long term, these difficulties can affect how they adapt to school expectations.

Another subtle but significant effect is that screens eliminate natural opportunities to learn patience. Boredom is important. It helps children practice creativity, invention, and problem-solving. If a child is constantly distracted by a screen, they lose the chance to handle frustration or develop self-control.

Furthermore, empathy—one of the most important social skills—forms through observing faces, interpreting expressions, and learning emotional responses. Studies led by Charles Nelson, a neuroscientist at Harvard, show that babies understand the world through nonverbal interaction. Without it, they may struggle to recognize others’ emotions or build healthy relationships with peers.

Being present as a parent doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being available, attentive, and connected. It doesn’t require hours, just a few dozen minutes of authentic play, stories told in a warm voice, or simple eye contact. Whether it’s exploring a box of toys, pretending to be an animal, or asking simple questions, each moment of human connection strengthens the bond and stimulates development.

Although technology may seem like a lifesaver during moments of fatigue or stress, it’s important to ask: what is the child learning from each interaction? A screen may calm them temporarily, but it can’t build empathy, vocabulary, or emotional security. The alternative is to give children what truly matters: time, attention, and affection.

In the early years of life, a child’s direct relationship with a parent forms the foundation for everything to come. It is the time when empathy, emotional regulation, relational skills, and resilience take shape. Being there—present with your eyes and mind—is a vital form of both education and love.