Screen time for under-fives should be limited to one hour a day

Government guidance recommends limiting screen time for children under five to one hour a day and advises that under-twos should not watch screens alone.

Children under five are the focus of new government guidance that recommends limiting daily screen time to one hour and says under-twos should not watch screens alone. The guidance advises avoiding fast-paced videos and encourages shared viewing when possible. It suggests "screen swaps" such as reading together or simple games at mealtimes. Officials say this is the first practical, evidence-backed advice of its kind and that ministers will keep the guidance under review. Key points: - The guidance recommends a one-hour daily limit for children under five and that under-twos should not watch screens alone. - It highlights that not all screen time is the same, and watching screens with an engaged adult is linked to better cognitive development than solo use. - Parents are advised to steer clear of fast-paced videos, as researchers report links between rapid content and stress responses or emotional dysregulation in young children. - "Screen swaps" are suggested as alternatives, such as replacing some screen time with shared reading or simple play. - The guidance recommends avoiding AI toys or tools for young children and notes that time limits should not be applied the same way to assistive screen-based technologies used for children with special educational needs and disabilities. - Officials and experts acknowledge pressures on families and say the guidance is precautionary and will be reviewed as more evidence emerges. Summary: The guidance emphasises differences between solo and shared screen use and reflects concerns about fast-paced content and its possible links to sleep, activity and emotional regulation. Ministers have said they will keep the advice under review, and the government is also carrying out a separate consultation on limits to under-16s' access to social media.