Government Unveils Landmark Screen Time Guidance for Young Children
The government has released official guidance on screen time for children under five, establishing clear limits and recommendations for parents navigating the digital age. The landmark advice includes specific time restrictions and content guidelines aimed at supporting healthy development.
Strict Time Limits and Content Recommendations
According to the new guidance, children aged two to five should be limited to just one hour of screen time per day, with screens avoided entirely during mealtimes and in the hour before bedtime. For children under two years old, the recommendation is to avoid television, tablets, and other screens completely, except when used for shared activities that encourage real-life bonding and interaction.
The guidance strongly advises against fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI-powered toys or tools for young children, instead recommending slow-paced, age-appropriate content that supports cognitive development. Experts emphasize that co-viewing—where parents watch or use screens together with their children, engaging in conversation and asking questions—is far more beneficial than solo screen use.
Alarming Statistics Behind the Guidance
Official research reveals that 98% of children under two watch TV, videos, or other digital content on screens every day, averaging more than two hours (127 minutes) daily. The study further found that children with approximately five hours of daily screen time could say fewer words than those who watched less than an hour.
Separate research by early years charity Kindred Squared highlights additional concerns, showing that 28% of children starting reception in the UK cannot use a book properly, with many attempting to "swipe" or tap physical pages as if they were tablets.
Government Commitment to Supporting Parents
Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the challenges of parenting in the digital era, stating, "Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless. Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting. My government will not leave parents to face this battle alone." He emphasized that the new guidance provides clear, common-sense tips to help keep children safe and establish healthy habits from an early age.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added, "I know how hard it is to navigate parenting in a world full of screens. They're unavoidable, but it often feels impossible to tell whether you're getting the balance right. That's why we're giving parents the clear, trusted support they've asked for."
Key Recommendations from the Guidance
- Under 2s: Avoid screen time except for shared activities that promote bonding and conversation.
- 2- to 5-year-olds: Limit to no more than one hour per day, avoiding screens at mealtimes and before bed.
- Content: Choose slow-paced, age-appropriate material; avoid fast-paced social media-style videos and AI tools.
- Co-viewing: Watch or use screens together, engaging with the content through discussion and questions.
Tailored Approaches and Broader Context
The Department for Education noted that children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) may require more tailored approaches, as screen-based assistive technology can be an important tool for some. The guidance is available for free on the Best Start in Life website.
The announcement comes amid broader government efforts to address digital harms. Prime Minister Starmer vowed to study a recent California jury ruling that found Meta and Google negligent for designing addictive platforms, stating, "The status quo isn’t good enough. We need to do more to protect children." The government has also launched a consultation on measures to tackle online harms, including potential social media bans for under-16s and overnight curfews on apps.
Frank Young, chief executive of Parentkind, welcomed the guidance, saying, "This is a huge issue for parents who face huge challenges when it comes to screens and their children. Many parents struggle which is why we need to help parents without pointing the finger." The guidance was developed by an expert panel led by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and paediatrician Professor Russell Viner, aiming to provide practical support rather than criticism for families.
