Parents of young children now have clear, evidence-backed advice on managing screen use.
New guidance helps parents manage toddlers’ screen time and promote healthy development
After hearing from thousands of families, the government has introduced practical guidance to help parents navigate screen time for children under five.
The intervention comes as research shows nearly all two-year-olds use screens daily, and a quarter of parents of three- to five-year-olds struggle to control usage.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless. Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting. My government will not leave parents to face this battle alone. Our new guidance cuts through the noise with clear, common sense tips to keep children safe and make sure healthy habits are baked in from the start.”
The recommendations advise parents to avoid screen time for children under two except for shared, interactive activities.For children aged two to five, screen time should be kept to about an hour a day, with screens avoided during meals and the hour before bedtime.
Parents are encouraged to choose slow-paced, age-appropriate content and to watch alongside their children, discussing what they see, as shared screen time supports cognitive development far more than using screens alone.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added: “This guidance gives parents the trusted support they’ve asked for, so children can have the childhood they deserve.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised that sleep, play, and face-to-face interaction are critical for early development, and excessive screen use can interfere with these essential activities.
The guidance is informed by an expert panel led by Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner, and will be delivered through Best Start Family Hubs and programmes run by The Dollywood Foundation UK, providing families with practical support that is accessible both online and in person.