Government Recommends One-Hour Daily Screen Limit for Under-Fives
New Guidance on Under-Fives' Screen Time
The government has issued its first evidence-backed guidance recommending that children under the age of five should limit screen time to one hour per day. For those under two, solitary screen use is discouraged, with an emphasis on shared viewing experiences.
The guidance, reviewed by experts including Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza, highlights concerns that prolonged, unsupervised screen engagement can adversely affect children's sleep and physical activity, crucial elements of early development. It covers all forms of digital media, from tablets and mobile phones to televisions.
Practical Advice for Parents
Parents are encouraged to actively participate in screen time with their children, as this is linked to improved cognitive development compared to solo use. The advice also suggests "screen swaps," where digital devices are replaced with activities such as reading or playing simple games. Furthermore, parents are urged to model responsible screen habits, acknowledging children's propensity to imitate adult behaviour.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated, "This is still quite an unknown area in lots of respects and we've taken a precautionary approach." The guidance will be regularly reviewed as further evidence emerges. While acknowledging the pressures on families, Phillipson stressed the intention is to be supportive, not judgemental, providing clear, practical help.
Understanding the Impact of Content
Researchers at the University of East London are studying how different content affects young children. Professor Sam Wass notes a particular interest in moments where children's brains struggle to keep pace with fast-moving, unpredictable content. He suggests a potential link between such content and emotional dysregulation, advising careful monitoring of these effects.
Separately, the government is consulting on potentially restricting social media access for under-16s, a move supported by online safety campaigners like Ian Russell. While the new guidance is welcomed as a positive step, some critics argue it does not go far enough in addressing the wider challenges of children's interaction with technology.
