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9 in 10 parents want more screen-free time- but don't know how to make it happen

9 in 10 parents want more screen-free time- but don't know how to make it happen

New research shows UK parents want less screen time but struggle to make it happen.

Dad and son playing with toniebox on the floor

MadeForMums

Published: April 28, 2026 at 2:34 PM

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UK parents are caught in a tricky balancing act when it comes to screens, and many are feeling the strain.

New research has revealed that while the vast majority of families want to reduce their children’s screen time, making that change in real life is proving far harder than expected. The result is what experts are calling a “screen guilt gap” – and it is something many parents will recognise.

With Screen-Free Week approaching, the findings highlight just how common this tension has become in modern family life.

What is the screen guilt gap?

According to new research from tonies®, 92% of UK parents say providing screen-free options is important, yet nearly half (48%) admit they struggle to find realistic alternatives.

At the same time, 54% say they have felt guilty about allowing their child to use screens at bedtime.

This disconnect between intention and reality is what researchers describe as the “screen guilt gap” – the space between what parents want for their children and what actually happens day to day.

The study, conducted by Opinium among 2,000 UK parents of children aged 10 and under, suggests this is less about lack of awareness and more about time pressure and practicality.

Screens have become the default, especially at busy times

For many families, screens are not used thoughtlessly, they are a coping tool.

Almost all parents (94%) say they have some kind of strategy to manage screen use, such as offering alternatives like reading or play (46%), setting specific times (39%), or enforcing limits (32%).

But even with these strategies in place, screens remain the easiest option. Three-quarters of children under 10 spend at least an hour on screens during weekdays, rising to 80% at weekends.

Bedtime is where the tension is felt most strongly. Half of parents (50%) say screens make their child more stressed or difficult at this time of day, yet many still rely on them.

Little girl sat on her bed reading a book and listening to her toniebox

Why bedtime is a key flashpoint

Evening routines can be one of the hardest parts of the day, particularly when everyone is tired.

The research shows that while screens can feel like a quick fix, they may actually make things harder. Many parents report increased stress around bedtime, alongside feelings of guilt.

Emily McInnes, Paediatric Nurse and Holistic Sleep Coach, explains why switching to audio can help.

Screen-free audio can be incredibly supportive at bedtime. Listening to stories on a Toniebox allows children to enjoy storytelling without the visual stimulation of screens, which helps the brain and body prepare for sleep.

Emily McInnes, Paediatric Nurse and Holistic Sleep Coach

Screen-free listening is already part of family life

One reassuring takeaway is that many families are already finding alternatives that work.

More than half of parents (52%) say their children listen to screen-free audio at bedtime, while others use it during quiet play (46%), on car journeys (36%), or even when out and about (29%).

Rather than being a niche idea, listening is becoming a flexible, everyday tool that fits naturally into routines.

When asked what they would choose as a screen-free activity, over a third of parents (36%) said listening to stories or music.

Small swaps can make a big difference

The message from the research is not that parents need to remove screens entirely, but that small, realistic changes can help close the gap.

For some families, that might look like swapping a tablet for an audiobook in the car, or introducing a short burst of screen-free listening before bed.

Among parents already using audio, the benefits are clear. Four in five (80%) say it helps their child relax before sleep, while 75% report reduced stress around bedtime routines.

These small shifts can add up, helping children transition more smoothly between activities and making daily routines feel calmer overall.

A more realistic approach to screen time

With UK guidance recommending limited screen time for younger children, the pressure on parents can feel intense.

But this research suggests the solution is not perfection. Instead, it is about having easy, reliable alternatives that work in the flow of everyday life.

As Screen-Free Week (4 to 10 May) approaches, the takeaway is simple. Reducing screen time does not have to mean a complete overhaul, just one manageable change at a time.

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