New screen time guidance for parents of under 5s

The government have recently published this guidance on the Best Start in Life website, with key tips including:

• Under 2s: Avoiding screen time other than for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.
• 2 to 5-year-olds: Trying to keep it to no more than one hour a day. Avoid at mealtimes and in the hour before bed.
• Content: Choosing slow-paced, age-appropriate content. Fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI toys or tools should be avoided for young children.
• Co-viewing: Watching or using screens together – talking, asking questions and engaging with the content – is better for children’s development than solo screen use.

We will also have more information on our Digital toolkit for younger children soon.