For the first time, the government has introduced new guidance to help families navigate the evolving digital world. This follows extensive engagement with over a thousand parents, carers, children themselves, early years specialists, and leading experts in child development.
The guidance is underpinned by the findings from an expert panel led by the Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner.
Why this matters
When you’re parenting solo, screens can sometimes feel like a necessary extra pair of hands, whether you’re cooking dinner, answering emails, or just taking a moment to breathe.
And you’re not alone. Many parents are navigating the same challenge.
Research shows that young children’s brains process screens differently from adults. Early experiences can shape attention, learning and emotional wellbeing. A report by the early years’ charity Kindred Squared, found that 28% of UK children starting reception struggle to use a book properly, with many attempting to “swipe” or tap physical pages like a tablet.
The latest scientific evidence on screen use in under-5s suggests that long periods of screen use, especially alone, can get in the way of activities critical for development, like sleep, physical activity, creative play, and interaction with parents.
But it’s not about removing screens completely (which isn’t always realistic).
What matters most is how screens are used:
- Watching together and talking about what’s happening supports learning.
- Slower-paced programmes are better than fast, overstimulating content.
With 90% of brain development happening before age five, this guidance is here to help you make informed, realistic choices, not add pressure.
The guidance
Here are 7 tips we’ve put together from the government’s guidance:
1 – Keep screen time limited
• Under 2s: Avoid screen time where possible, except for shared activities like video calls with family that encourage talking and bonding.
• Ages 2–5: Aim for no more than 1 hour a day, but don’t worry if some days look different.
Some days you just need 10 minutes to get things done and that’s ok.
2 – Focus on quality, not just quantity
• Choose slow‑paced, age‑appropriate content designed for young children.
• Avoid fast‑paced, social‑media‑style videos, which may affect attention and concentration.
• Look for simple stories, fewer scene changes, clear speech, and visible emotions on characters’ faces.
Think calm and simple over loud and busy.
3 – Avoid unsuitable content and technologies
• Social media isn’t suitable for young children and should be avoided.
• Avoid using AI toys, tools, chatbots, or smart assistants with under‑5s until there’s clearer evidence about their impact.
• Use parental controls to block inappropriate or harmful content.
4 – Use screens together, not alone
• Sit with your child and watch or use screens together whenever possible.
• Talk about what’s happening, ask questions, and help them make sense of what they see.
• Avoid children using screens alone, as this reduces opportunities for interaction and learning.
Even a few minutes together can make a difference.
5 – Be mindful of your own screen use
• Young children copy what they see.
• Try to be fully present when spending time together.
No guilt, just small moments of connection where possible.
6 – Be simple, realistic boundaries
• Protect time for sleep, play and connections.
• Keep mealtimes and bedrooms screen‑free if you can.
Consistency helps, but flexibility matters too.
7 – Swap screen time for everyday moments
• Reading together.
• Singing or talking.
• Playing simple games.
• Outdoor play.
These activities build language, social skills, and emotional development more effectively than screens.
There’s no such thing as perfect parenting, especially when you’re doing it alone. This guidance isn’t about getting everything right, but about making small, manageable choices that support your child’s development.
For more information, read the government’s guidance here.
