Under-Fives: Government Advises Limiting Screen Time to One Hour Daily
New government guidance suggests that children under the age of five should limit their screen time to a maximum of one hour daily. For children under two, the advice stresses the importance of parental engagement, recommending that they should not watch screens alone.
Evidence-Backed Recommendations
This marks the first evidence-backed, practical advice issued by the government concerning screen use in early childhood. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated a precautionary approach has been adopted in what remains an 'unknown area'.
The guidance was formulated following a review of current evidence by Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England, and Professor Russell Viner, Professor of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health at University College London. Their findings indicate that prolonged, solitary screen use can negatively affect a child's sleep and physical activity, both crucial for developmental progress. The recommendations encompass all forms of screen-based devices, including televisions, mobile phones, tablets, and computers.
Parental Engagement and Leading by Example
A key aspect of the guidance is the differentiation between types of screen time. It suggests that interactive screen use with an engaged adult is linked to improved cognitive development, contrasting with solo viewing. Furthermore, parents are encouraged to lead by example, as children are likely to mimic adult screen habits. The guidance also proposes 'screen swaps', advocating for activities such as reading stories or playing games during mealtimes as alternatives to screen use.
The guidance makes an exception for screen-based assistive technologies used by children with special educational needs and disabilities, where time limits may not apply. It also advises against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) toys or tools for this age group.
This advice emerges as the government separately consults on potentially mirroring Australia by prohibiting social media access for under-16s in the UK.
