Government issues new screen time guidance for under-fives

Advice encourages shared screen time, limits on fast-paced content, and swaps for reading or play to protect children’s sleep and activity.

Transcript

00:01New Government guidance recommends limits on screen use for very young children. The guidance

00:07aims to support development and wellbeing. The guidance recommends that children under five

00:12should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, while those under two should not be on

00:18screens alone. Parents and carers are encouraged to watch with their children, avoid fast-paced

00:23videos and use screen swaps, replacing screen time with reading stories or playing simple

00:29games together. Officials say this advice is practical and evidence-backed, but it will

00:35be reviewed as research continues. Experts warn long periods on screens can affect sleep and physical

00:41activity.