British parents to get guidance on limiting screen time for children under 5

ANKARA

Parents of children under 5 in the UK will soon receive official guidance on limiting screen time following new government research that links excessive use to delayed language development.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the recommendations will be published in April and shaped “with parents, not dictated to them,” according to ITV News.

“By age two, almost all children – around 98% – are watching screens such as mobiles, tablets, and TV every day, during a critical period for language development,” Phillipson wrote in The Sunday Times, citing reports that some children struggle to converse or concentrate when starting nursery or school.

According to government findings, toddlers with around five hours of screen time daily learn “significantly” fewer words than peers with less screen exposure.

Phillipson acknowledged that screens are “not going anywhere,” but urged more conscious use.

“Let’s use them well,” she said, suggesting educational games or reading together on a tablet.

The guidance will also offer alternative activities such as talking, playing, and reading.

“Like so many parents, I’ve had evenings where you give in when your little one wants ‘just one more’ episode … But we’re beginning to see the risks when ‘just one more’ starts to add up,” she said.

Data also revealed a divide in early literacy habits: 77% of children in the highest-income families are read to daily at age 2, compared with 32% in the lowest-income groups.

The Education Department said the advice will be informed by consultations with parents, educators, and experts, led by the Children’s Commissioner for England and a government scientific adviser.