UK Issues First Screen Time Guidance: Under-5s Limited to One Hour
Children under five should be limited to one hour of screen time a day. New government guidance also says under-twos should not watch screens alone. Parents should steer clear of fast-paced videos.
The advice recommends “screen swaps.” Families should take screens away to read stories together. Playing simple games at mealtimes is also encouraged.
Precautionary Approach
This is the first evidence-backed practical advice from the government. Ministers say it will be kept under review as more evidence emerges. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called it “quite an unknown area.” She said they have taken a “precautionary approach.”
Evidence Review
Children’s commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner reviewed the latest evidence. They found long periods of time spent on screens alone can affect children’s sleep and physical activity. These are key to their development. Therefore, this children screen time guidance aims to protect young children’s health. Parents now have clear, practical advice to follow.
