The UK government has issued new guidance advising that children under five should spend no more than one hour per day on screens, with screen time for children under two to be avoided except for shared activities. The recommendations, developed by a panel led by the children's commissioner and a health expert, aim to help families build healthy habits and protect children's development.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the guidance would support parents in a digital world, acknowledging the challenges of conflicting advice. He stated, 'My government will not leave parents to face this battle alone.' The guidance also suggests avoiding fast-paced social media-style videos and AI-based toys for young children, and recommends screen-free bedtimes and mealtimes.
The panel's review found that excessive solo screen time harms sleep, physical activity, creative play, and parent-child interaction. However, exceptions are made for children with special educational needs using assistive technologies. The government is also considering measures similar to Australia's to limit or ban social media for under-16s.
Professor Russell Viner, who co-led the panel, said, '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.' The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health welcomed the guidance, with vice-president Dr Mike McKean noting it helps parents navigate the 'developmentally crucial early years.'
