New Government Guidance on Screen Time for Young Children
Parents in the UK will be advised to limit screen time for children under five to no more than one hour per day, according to new government guidance. The prime minister has assured parents they will receive support in managing their children’s online activity rather than facing the challenges alone.
The guidance also recommends that children under two avoid screen time except for shared activities that encourage interaction. Furthermore, the government is exploring measures similar to those in Australia that would limit or prohibit social media use for individuals under 16 years of age.
Prime Minister’s Commitment to Supporting Families
Keir Starmer emphasized that the new guidance aims to assist families in protecting children and fostering healthy screen habits.
“Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless. Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting. My .”
“There will be some who will oppose us doing this. But whether it’s navigating technology, tackling the cost of living or balancing the demands of family life, I will always stand on the side of parents doing their best for their children.”
Specific Recommendations for Screen Time
The guidance for parents of children aged two to five will suggest keeping screen time to approximately one hour daily, with the possibility of less.
For the screen time that children do have, families are advised to avoid fast-paced social media-style videos and toys or tools that incorporate artificial intelligence.
Screen-free periods are recommended during bedtimes and mealtimes. Instead, families are encouraged to engage in activities such as background music, table games, bedtime stories, and colouring.
Engaging with children during screen time by watching together, discussing, and asking questions is considered more beneficial for cognitive development than allowing children to use screens alone.
Shared screen activities could include video calls with friends and family or looking through photographs together.
Evidence and Panel Review
The government has previously reported that approximately 98% of children are exposed to screens daily by the age of two. High screen time has been linked to impacts on language development.
The guidance was developed by a panel led by children’s commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and children’s health expert Professor Russell Viner.
The panel’s review of evidence found that extended periods of solo screen time negatively affect sleep, physical activity, creative play, and interaction with parents, all of which are essential for healthy development.
However, the panel noted that screen time limits should be adapted for children with special educational needs and disabilities who use screen-based assistive technologies.
The advice aims to help children and families establish healthier relationships with screens and use them in ways that do not hinder children’s readiness for school.
“Too much solo screen time can crowd out the things that make the biggest difference – sleep, play, physical activity and talking with parents and carers.”
Professor Viner, who specializes in adolescent health at University College London, made this statement regarding the impact of excessive screen time.
Parental Screen Use and Family Screen-Free Time
The panel also recommended that parents reflect on their own screen use in the presence of their children and consider implementing screen-free periods during the day for the entire family.
