Digital screens are a part of modern life, but finding the right balance between screen time and other activities for young children can be tricky.
The UK Government has issued new screen time guidance for parents of children under five. The guidance recommends a maximum of one hour of screen time daily for children under five, with screens to be avoided entirely for children under two. It emphasizes the importance of responsive adult-child interaction and encourages parents to make bedtime and mealtimes screen-free. The guidance also advises parents to watch screens with their children, discuss the content, and avoid fast-paced social media-style videos and AI-powered toys.
The new guidance is available on the Best start in life website , with key tips including:
- Under 2s: Avoiding screen time other than for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation
- 2 to 5-year-olds: Trying to keep it to no more than one hour a day. Avoid at mealtimes and in the hour before bed
- Content: Choosing slow-paced, age-appropriate content. Fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI toys or tools should be avoided for young children
- Co-viewing: Watching or using screens together - talking, asking questions and engaging with the content - is better for children’s development than solo screen use
To access the new guidance on the best start in life website, click the following link: New screen time guidance for under 5s