UK Government to Issue Screen Use Guidance for Children Aged Five to Sixteen

The UK government is preparing to issue its inaugural guidance concerning screen use for children. A three-week call for evidence has been launched to shape these guidelines, which are intended to assist parents of children between the ages of five and sixteen and are anticipated to be published in the autumn.

This guidance is expected to offer practical advice on appropriate screen time durations, suitable ages for a child's first smartphone, and the role of technology within educational settings.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that parents require “clear, practical support they can trust.” Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England and a co-chair of the call to evidence, acknowledged technology's benefits for young people but highlighted the difficulties faced by children, parents, and carers in finding a suitable balance, describing it as “the bane of our life”.

Dame Rachel indicated that teenagers frequently request adult intervention to reduce their screen time. The consultation will encompass broad screen time considerations for under-16s, including gaming. This initiative is distinct from a recent consultation on potential social media bans for under-16s, restrictions on addictive design, and parental support.

In March, separate government guidance advised limiting screen time for under-fives to one hour daily, with unsupervised screen use for under-twos discouraged. Official statements suggest prolonged solitary screen use can negatively impact children’s sleep and physical activity, crucial elements for their development.