Raising Kids in 2025: The Power of Screen-Free Play

Protecting Childhood in a Digital World

As technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, protecting time for screen-free, imaginative play has never been more important for babies, toddlers, and young children. In 2025, with more devices in homes than ever before, encouraging open-ended play with physical toys is one of the most powerful ways to support a child’s healthy development.

While technology can offer educational benefits when used thoughtfully, research suggests that keeping a healthy balance is key. The World Health Organization recommends no screen time for children under two years old and limiting screen time to no more than one hour per day for children aged two to four. Similarly, a 2024 study published in BMC Public Health found that toddlers who spent more than one hour a day on mobile devices had slightly lower language development scores compared to those with less screen time.

These findings aren’t about creating fear — they simply remind us how valuable real-world experiences are for young children's growth, learning, and emotional development.

At Arlo’s Place, we believe in the value of play that nurtures creativity, confidence, and independent thinking. We champion toys that invite children to explore freely, express themselves, and engage in the kind of open-ended play that builds real-world skills — the kind of learning that screens can’t replicate.

The benefits of screen-free play:

• Builds fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

• Develops imagination, storytelling, and emotional resilience

• Encourages communication and social interaction

• Supports problem solving and cognitive growth

• Promotes physical movement and healthy brain development

The Power of Open-Ended Play

Open-ended play allows children to explore the world on their own terms — building, imagining, experimenting, and learning through doing. Whether it’s stacking wooden blocks, caring for a soft toy, or creating a story with a train set, these simple activities support key areas of development, from fine motor skills to emotional resilience.

Toys like wooden toys and Montessori-inspired pieces are especially well suited to early learning. They encourage curiosity, creativity, and focus — offering children a chance to learn through hands-on discovery, without relying on screens or structured outcomes.

Choosing Sustainable, Screen-Free Alternatives

Our curated collection of Little Dutch toys, Bigjigs Toys, and other trusted brands offers beautiful, sustainable alternatives to passive screen time. As an official Little Dutch stockist in the UK, we’re proud to support a brand that shares our belief in inspiring imaginative, open-ended play through thoughtful, high-quality design.

In a world where screens are everywhere, creating space for screen-free, imaginative play is more important than ever. It's not about avoiding technology altogether — it's about making time for the kind of hands-on learning and joyful discovery that every child deserves.