UK Screen Guidance to Help Parents Manage Children’s Device Use
The UK government is preparing new guidance on children’s screen use. The advice will cover young people aged five to 16 and aims to help families create healthier digital habits. Ministers have launched a three-week call for evidence before publishing the guidance this autumn. The recommendations are expected to address screen time limits, smartphone use, gaming, and technology in schools.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said parents need practical advice they can trust. She added that technology can support learning when used appropriately, especially for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
What the New Guidance Could Include
The upcoming UK Screen Guidance may offer recommendations on how much time children should spend on screens each day. It could also advise parents on the right age for a child’s first smartphone.
In addition, the government wants to examine how technology supports education. Officials will gather views from teachers, parents, and experts to determine where digital tools help learning most effectively.
Rachel de Souza, who is helping lead the review, said many young people struggle to find a healthy balance. According to her, teenagers often ask for support in reducing their screen use and managing online distractions. The consultation will also consider gaming habits and broader digital activities, not just social media platforms.
Wider Push for Online Safety
The new guidance comes as the UK government continues its wider review of children’s online safety. Earlier this year, officials consulted on possible social media restrictions for under-16s and measures to limit addictive platform features. More than 110,000 responses were submitted to that consultation. The government is expected to announce further action in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has urged technology companies to block children from sending, receiving, or viewing explicit images online. He warned that legislation could follow if platforms fail to act.
The government has already recommended that children under five spend no more than one hour per day using screens. It is also moving forward with plans to ban smartphones in schools across England.
Officials say the new guidance will help parents navigate the challenges of modern technology while ensuring children can still benefit from its educational and social advantages.
