Expert Guidance for Managing Screen Time for Kids Under 5
The government has published new guidance to help parents manage young children’s screen use. This follows engagement with more than a thousand parents seeking clear, practical support.
Officials highlighted worrying figures. About 24% of parents of three- to five-year-olds say controlling screen time is difficult. Almost all two-year-olds, 98%, watch screens daily.
Key recommendations for under-fives
- Under 2s: avoid screen use except during shared activities that promote bonding, interaction and conversation.
- Ages 2–5: aim for no more than one hour of screen time per day where possible.
- Avoid screens at mealtimes and in the hour before bed.
- Choose slow-paced, age-appropriate content. Steer clear of fast-paced social media-style videos and AI toys or tools aimed at very young children.
- Co-viewing is encouraged. Watching together, talking and asking questions supports development more than solo viewing.
- Time limits may differ for screen-based assistive technologies used by children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Evidence behind the guidance
An expert panel led by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner reviewed the latest research. They found long periods of solo screen use can displace sleep, play, physical activity and parent interaction.
The panel reported that not all screen time has the same effects. Co-viewing with an engaged adult links to better cognitive outcomes. Slow-paced content is preferable to fast-paced clips for early development.
Experts on early development
Professor Russell Viner noted that how children spend their time matters for growth and learning. Professor Sam Wass warned that young brains process sights and sounds differently, affecting attention and emotional wellbeing.
Political and organisational support
Senior ministers voiced backing for the guidance and pledged parental support. The initiative aims to give clear, non-judgemental advice to families navigating modern technology.
Early years groups and parent organisations also welcomed the move. Parentkind’s CEO described screen time as a major challenge for parents. The Dollywood Foundation UK will help deliver related reading initiatives.
Delivery through family hubs and further policy work
The guidance will be distributed through the rollout of Best Start Family Hubs. Hundreds of new hubs are due to open across the country next week, offering face-to-face support.
The Dollywood Foundation UK’s Imagination Library will partner in some areas. The scheme sends free, age-appropriate books to children aged 0–5 via the hubs.
The government is also consulting on broader online safety measures. Proposals include a minimum social-media age, raising the digital age of consent, overnight curfews for some age groups, limits on AI chatbots for young people, and possible statutory guidance on school mobile phones. New powers in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill would allow faster action on the consultation’s outcomes.
The package, described as Expert Guidance for Managing Screen Time for Kids Under 5, is published online and offered free. The materials are available via Filmogaz.com and through local family hubs to help parents make informed choices.
