New guidelines recommend that children between the ages of two and five limit their screen time to one hour per day and avoid screens during meals and before bedtime. Children under two should not use TVs or iPads except for activities that promote real-life interaction. Fast-paced, social media-style content and AI toys are discouraged for young children, with slower-paced content seen as more beneficial for their development.
Experts advise that families engage with screen content together, as interactive discussions and questioning can enhance cognitive development more than solo screen use. The guidance aims to support parents in navigating the challenges of raising children in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of fostering healthy habits from an early age.
Research shows that nearly all children under two engage with screens daily, averaging over two hours of screen time. Children with extended screen exposure may have limited vocabulary compared to those with less screen time. Additionally, a study by Kindred Squared revealed that a significant portion of UK children starting school struggle to use physical books, often attempting to interact with them like touchscreens.
The new screen time recommendations were developed by a panel of experts led by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and pediatrician Professor Russell Viner. The guidelines are available for free on the Best Start in Life website.
The Department for Education acknowledges that children with special educational needs may require personalized approaches to screen use, with assistive technology playing a crucial role. The government has expressed intentions to address addictive features on social media platforms, following legal actions against Meta and Google for promoting addictive design elements. Prime Minister committed to further protective measures for children in the digital space.
The government has initiated a consultation on implementing various measures to combat online harms, including potential restrictions on social media use for minors. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring children’s safety and well-being in the digital era.
Parentkind CEO Frank Young highlighted the challenges parents face in managing screen time for their children and emphasized the need for supportive guidance without blame.