Pen Green Centre for children and their families

Webinar: The Impact of Tablet and Smartphone Use on Young Children

East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub

📅 30 April 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
💻 Online Webinar

Mobile devices are now a common part of everyday life for many young children. Recent research suggests that by the age of four, more than half of children have their own tablet, and many spend significant time using digital devices each day.

In this webinar, researchers from the iKids Study will share emerging evidence about how tablet and smartphone use may influence young children’s health, development and family interactions. This session will explore both the potential benefits and risks of interactive electronic devices for children aged 0–5.

🎙️ Guest Speakers

• Dr. Colette Marr – Research Fellow, iKids Study

• Dr. Eleanor Craig – Research Fellow, iKids Study

• Prof. Liane Azevedo – Chief Investigator, iKids Study

The iKids research programme is a major NIHR-funded study investigating how device use relates to children’s language development, self-regulation, social development, sleep, motor skills and school readiness.

In this session we will explore:

• Current research on how young children are using tablets and smartphones

• What we know about the potential impacts on development, behaviour and wellbeing

• How device use can affect parent–child interaction and communication

• When digital devices may support learning, and when they may be less helpful

• Practical reflections for early years practitioners and childminders

The session will also consider the everyday contexts in which families use devices, including how tablets and smartphones are often used within daily routines at home.

Who should attend?

This webinar is particularly relevant for:

• Early years practitioners

• Childminders

• Nursery and preschool leaders

• Early years educators interested in children’s development and digital technology

Why attend?

This is an opportunity to hear directly from the research team behind the iKids study, whose work is informing national understanding of young children’s device use and helping shape future guidance for parents, educators and policymakers.