UK issues landmark screen time guidance for children under five

The UK government has published its first-ever official guidance on screen time for the under-fives, advising parents to limit daily exposure to just one hour for children aged two to five.

Published on Friday, the guidance—strongly supported by Prime Minister Keir Starmer—recommends that children under two avoid screens entirely, with exceptions only for shared interactive moments like video calling relatives.

The move is designed to help families navigate an increasingly digital world where, according to recent figures, 98 per cent of two-year-olds are now exposed to screens every day.

The recommendations were developed by an expert panel co-chaired by Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner, and Professor Russell Viner.

Their research highlighted that "solo screen time" often displaces critical developmental activities such as sleep, physical play, and direct face-to-face interaction.

The panel specifically warned against "fast-paced" social media-style videos and toys powered by artificial intelligence, noting that these can be over-stimulating for developing brains.

Instead, parents are encouraged to prioritise "safe screen swaps" such as reading, colouring, and playing traditional table games during mealtimes and the hour before bed.

Prime Minister Starmer stated that his government would "not leave parents to face this battle alone," promising to take on social media firms that design "addictive" features.

These guidelines arrive alongside a broader national conversation, including a consultation on a potential social media ban for those under 16 and a crackdown on smartphone usage within schools.

While critics like Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott have called for even swifter legislative action, the government maintains that this evidence-based guidance is a vital first step in "giving children their childhood back."