New Guidance on Children's Screen Use Announced
Ministers are set to issue guidance for the first time on screen use for children. The government has initiated a three-week call for evidence to help shape this guidance, which will be published in the autumn. The aim is to assist parents of children aged five to 16 with practical advice.
Focus Areas of the Guidance
The forthcoming guidance is expected to cover recommendations on appropriate screen time limits, the suitable age for children to receive their first smartphone, and the role of technology in educational settings.
Statements from Officials
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the need for reliable support for parents, stating:
"Parents deserve clear, practical support they can trust."
Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner for England and co-chair of the call for evidence, acknowledged the benefits of technology for young people but highlighted the challenges faced by children, parents, and carers in finding a balanced approach. She described this issue as:
"the bane of our life".
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Dame Rachel mentioned that teenagers frequently ask for advice on reducing screen time and often express a desire for adult intervention. She also noted that the consultation will broadly address screen time for under-16s, including gaming. She expressed optimism about the consultation, citing cross-party agreement on the negative impacts of excessive screen time for children.
Distinction from Previous Consultations
This call for evidence differs from a consultation that closed last month, which focused on proposals such as banning social media use for under-16s, restricting addictive design features, and enhancing parental support.
Previous Government Guidance
In March, the government issued guidance recommending that children under five should be limited to one hour of screen time daily, and that children under two should not watch screens alone.
The government highlighted concerns that extended periods of screen use alone can negatively affect children's sleep and physical activity, both critical for their development.
