Children under five should have limits on screen time, says PM
Children under the age of five should only have an hour of screen time each day, according to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who announced new guidance intended to assist parents in managing their children’s technology use, reports BritPanorama.
The guidance, issued by the Department for Education, recommends that toddlers aged two and under avoid screens entirely, except for shared activities aimed at bonding and conversation. For children from two to five, screen time should be limited to one hour daily, with a complete ban during meals and before bedtime.
Starmer emphasized the importance of parental involvement, stating that shared screen use is preferable to allowing children to engage with devices alone. He acknowledged the challenges parents face in navigating technology’s presence in daily life, noting, “My Government will not leave parents to face this battle alone.”
The report from charity Kindred Squared highlighted a concerning statistic: 28 percent of children entering reception classes do not know how to use a book, instead attempting to swipe and tap pages as if they were using a tablet.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson explained that the guidance aims to help children enjoy childhood activities such as reading and playing outdoors. “The guidance we’re setting out is to help parents make sure children can enjoy childhood,” she stated. She did not disclose specific recommendations for children over five as the government awaits feedback from ongoing consultations regarding a potential social media ban for under-16s.
Research by tech regulator Ofcom indicates that 19 percent of three to five-year-olds have mobile phones, while 37 percent are active on social media and a substantial 91 percent access video-sharing platforms. The guidance also suggests that parents should be mindful of their own screen habits, as children are likely to mimic adult behaviors.
The response from opposition parties has been critical, with the Tories pledging to ban smartphones in schools and proposing more stringent measures for social media use among minors. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott remarked that “this guidance falls short of what’s needed,” reflecting ongoing debates about the impacts of technology on childhood development and education.
The announcement underscores a growing recognition of the need to balance screen time with traditional forms of play and learning in early childhood development.
In an age where screens dominate daily life, the introduction of these guidelines could pave the way for a more engaged and balanced approach to childhood, prioritizing health and well-being amidst technological advancement.
