New screen time guidance for parents of under-5s

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The UK government has published its first official screen time guidance for children under five, aiming to help parents develop healthy digital habits without judgement. The guidance follows consultations with more than 1,000 parents, many of whom wanted clearer advice on managing young children’s screen use.

Key recommendations

  • Children under 2: Avoid screen time except for shared activities that encourage bonding, conversation and interaction (such as video calls with family).
  • Children aged 2–5: Aim to limit recreational screen time to no more than one hour per day, and avoid screens during meals and for at least one hour before bedtime.
  • Content: Choose slow-paced, age-appropriate programming and avoid fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI-powered toys or tools.
  • Co-viewing: Parents should watch or use screens with their children, talking and interacting with them, rather than allowing solo screen use.

Why the guidance was introduced

The government says parents are increasingly struggling to manage children’s screen use:

  • Nearly all two-year-olds (98%) use screens daily.
  • 24% of parents of 3–5-year-olds find it difficult to control screen time.

Research reviewed by an expert panel found that excessive solo screen use can replace activities that are essential for healthy development, including:

  • Sleep
  • Physical activity
  • Creative play
  • Face-to-face interaction with parents and caregivers

The guidance notes that not all screen use is equally harmful. Shared screen activities with an engaged adult can support learning better than passive viewing, and screen-based assistive technology remains appropriate for children with additional educational needs.

Supporting children’s development

The government highlights that 90% of brain development occurs before age five and encourages simple “screen swaps,” such as:

  • Reading books together
  • Playing games during mealtimes
  • Talking and interacting without devices

These activities help build language, social and emotional skills that prepare children for school.

Wider government action

The guidance forms part of a broader strategy to improve children’s wellbeing online, alongside proposals that include:

  • A minimum age for social media.
  • Raising the digital age of consent.
  • Overnight curfews for certain age groups.
  • Restrictions on AI chatbots for young people.
  • Stronger rules on mobile phone use in schools.

The advice will also be available through Best Start Family Hubs, where parents can access practical support in person and online.

Key takeaway

The government’s message is that screens are part of modern family life, but balance matters. Rather than banning technology, the guidance encourages parents to minimise screen use in the early years, prioritise interactive, shared experiences over passive viewing, and ensure screens do not replace sleep, play and meaningful family interaction.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-screen-time-guidance-for-parents-of-under-5s

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