13/04/2026
New government guidance says children under five should ideally have no more than one hour of screen time a day, and under-twos should not be watching screens alone.
The reason behind this guidance is that long periods of screen time, especially when children are watching alone, can have an impact on sleep and physical activity. Both of these are really important for healthy development in the early years.
The advice also encourages parents to avoid fast-paced videos, use screens together where possible, and try simple “screen swaps” like reading a story, chatting at mealtimes, or playing a quick game instead.
And if your child is currently having more screen time than this, please do not panic. For most families, screens are just a normal part of everyday life. And screens are a reality of life whether we like it or not. This guidance is not about guilt or getting everything perfect, it is about helping parents make small, realistic changes where they can.
Little tweaks, like watching together more often or swapping one bit of screen time for play, fresh air or a story, can still make a positive difference.
What are your thoughts on the new guidance? Let us know in the comments.