UK Government Issues New Screen Time Guidance for Children Under Five
In Brief
The new recommendations aim to address concerns about young children's mental health and development related to screen use.
Key Facts
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that under-fives should not watch screens for more than an hour a day.
- Government guidance advises parents to avoid fast-paced children's content and to share screen time when possible.
- A jury in California recently found Meta and YouTube liable for mental health harms to children using their services.
- The prime minister pledged that families would not be left to address screen time issues alone.
- Parenting experts have provided practical tips to help parents manage their children's screen time.
What Happened
The UK government released new advice recommending that children under five limit screen time to one hour daily, with additional suggestions for parents on content and shared viewing.
Why It Matters
These guidelines respond to growing concerns about the impact of digital media on young children's mental health and development, and follow recent legal developments involving major tech companies.
What's Next
Parents and caregivers are expected to consider the new recommendations, while further discussions about digital safety and children's mental health may continue.
Sources
- The Independent — Having a conversation and creating best practices for your child's social media use(1h ago)
- The Independent — Under-fives should not watch screens for more than an hour a day, Keir Starmer tells parents (1h ago)
- BBC News — Under-5s should not be on screens for more than an hour a day, parents told in new government advice(1h ago)