14/04/2026
Screen Time & Your Child (Under 5s)
As part of the Best Start in Life campaign, weโre sharing simple, evidence-based advice to support your childโs development ๐
๐ฑ Did you know?
โข Children under 2 years should ideally have no screen time (except video calls with family) ๏ฟผ
โข Children aged 2โ5 years should have no more than 1 hour a day โ and less is even better ๏ฟผ
๐ก Why does it matter?
The early years are crucial for brain development. Too much screen time has been linked to:
โข Delays in speech and language
โข Reduced attention and focus
โข Less time for play, movement & interaction ๏ฟผ
โจ What to do instead:
โ๏ธ Talk, read, and play together
โ๏ธ Encourage active play (aim for 3 hours across the day)
โ๏ธ Keep screens off during meals & before bedtime
โ๏ธ Watch together (if using screens) and talk about what you see
๐ถ Children learn best from real-life interaction, not screens
Letโs work together to give every child the best start in life ๐
๐ Learn more: beststartinlife.gov.uk