The new UK guidelines on screen time for children under 5 focus on reducing passive screen use. Here’s what it means for you.

      The UK government is set to release its first guidance for parents regarding screen time for children under five in April. This initiative comes in response to concerns that excessive daily screen exposure may hinder toddlers' language development, as reported by The Guardian.

      This effort is based on research commissioned by the government, which found that two-year-olds who spend the most time on screens—approximately five hours a day—have poorer vocabulary skills compared to their peers who average around 44 minutes daily. Given that screen use among two-year-olds is nearly universal, the guidance aims to serve as practical advice rather than imposing restrictions.

      The focus is on passive screen time

      Ministers are targeting passive viewing, where a child watches content with minimal interaction or shared attention. This is significant because toddlers develop language more effectively when they engage in back-and-forth interactions, such as naming, pointing, repeating, and having brief conversations that build on activities.

      In practical terms, the guidance will likely promote simple habits that prevent screens from displacing time spent talking, playing, and reading together. It is also anticipated to be informed by evidence and feedback from parents, making it more relatable to everyday routines rather than a strict set of rules. If you’re using iOS, you can find ways to manage screen time effectively.

      Overview of the findings

      Furthermore, the same research indicates that screen habits are established rapidly. Average daily screen time was reported at 29 minutes for children at nine months, rising to 127 minutes by the age of two, with 98% of two-year-olds engaging with TV, videos, or other digital content daily.

      This is significantly higher than the World Health Organization's recommendation of no more than one hour of screen time per day for children aged two to four. While it's not expected that every family will achieve this ideal immediately, it highlights the need for clearer guidance for children under five.

      The study also examined newer usage patterns, noting that approximately 19% of two-year-olds played video games. When combining gaming with viewing, the average total daily screen time reached 140 minutes. The vocabulary assessment was conducted using a brief 34-word list, with the highest screen time group demonstrating knowledge of fewer words than the lowest use group. Additionally, a quarter of children scored above a threshold that might indicate potential behavioral or emotional issues.

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      What to consider before April

      The panel responsible for developing the April guidance will review the evidence and seek input from parents, with some early childhood leaders advocating for the inclusion of online safety and basic digital literacy in the guidance package.

      To prepare ahead of time, consider making screen time more interactive and less passive. Engage with your child while watching by discussing the content and transforming passive viewing into a shared experience. Small changes like these can help maintain the conversation and play that toddlers require, even before the official guidance is released.