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The UK government has published its first official guidance on screen use for young children, setting out recommended limits and practical advice for parents of under-fives amid growing concern about the impact of digital technology on early development.
The guidance, issued jointly by the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care, follows consultation with more than 1,000 parents and is intended to provide clear, evidence-based support in what ministers describe as an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Under the new recommendations, children under two should avoid screen time except for shared, interactive activities, while those aged two to five should be limited to no more than one hour per day. The guidance also advises against screen use during mealtimes and in the hour before bed, and encourages parents to prioritise slow-paced, age-appropriate content.
A key emphasis is placed on “co-viewing”, with evidence suggesting that children benefit more when screens are used alongside an engaged adult, rather than alone. The guidance also warns against fast-paced, social media-style content and the use of AI-driven tools aimed at young children.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the measures are designed to give parents “clear, common-sense” advice, adding that families should not be left to navigate rapidly evolving technology without support.
The move comes amid evidence that screen use is already widespread among very young children. Government figures indicate that 98% of two-year-olds use screens daily, while nearly a quarter of parents of three- to five-year-olds report difficulty managing their child’s screen time.
The guidance is underpinned by an expert review led by Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner, and Professor Russell Viner of University College London. The panel concluded that excessive solo screen use can displace activities critical to early development, including sleep, physical play and face-to-face interaction.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the early years represent a “critical period” for development, warning that overuse of screens can interfere with children’s ability to learn and thrive.
The guidance also highlights that not all screen use carries the same risks. Evidence reviewed by the panel suggests that interactive use with adults may support cognitive development, while assistive technologies for children with special educational needs and disabilities should not be subject to the same limits.
The publication forms part of a wider government strategy on children’s wellbeing in the digital environment, alongside ongoing proposals to strengthen online safety measures. These include potential restrictions on social media access for young users and new powers under forthcoming legislation to respond more quickly to emerging risks.
The guidance will be made available online and through a network of new family hubs, where parents can access advice and support in person. Ministers say the initiative is intended to promote healthier early childhood development and help ensure children start school ready to learn.
