UK issues new screen time guidance for under-fives

The UK government has issued new guidance on how much time children below the age of five should spend on screens. The guidance has been developed with input from parents and an expert panel led by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner, a paediatrician and specialist in children’s health. It recommends that children under two should avoid screen time altogether, except for shared activities that encourage interaction such as video calls. For children between the ages of two and five, screen time should be kept to no more than one hour a day, less if possible. The advice also stresses that quality matters as much as quantity. Parents are encouraged to prioritise shared, purposeful screen use—such as watching together and talking about content—while avoiding fast-paced social media-style videos, and toys or tools that use artificial intelligence. Everyday routines like mealtimes and bedtime should remain screen-free, with alternatives such as reading, storytelling, and creative play helping to support language, attention, and social skills. It also warns parents to be careful about their own screen use as children’s brains are “like sponges” and will copy these habits. The guidance reflects growing concern about the impact of excessive screen use on young children’s development. It aims to promote a balanced approach, encouraging families to build healthy habits and focus on real-world interaction alongside limited, mindful use of digital devices. The guidance can be found here.