First-ever screen time guidance for under-fives
The UK government has announced that in April this year it will publish official guidance on screen use for children under five.
This follows new research showing that screen use is almost universal in very young children and may be affecting early development.
Findings from the Children of the 2020s (COT20s) study on the home learning environment at age two reveal that children with the highest screen use, around five hours a day, could say ‘significantly’ fewer words than those with the lowest screen use, around 44 minutes a day. Screen use is near-universal in early childhood, with 98 per cent of two-year-olds watching screens daily.
This guidance is being developed by an expert group led by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner. It will draw on evidence from parents, early years practitioners and specialists.
The advice is expected to be practical and non-judgemental, focusing on how screens can be used alongside developmentally positive activities like talking, playing and reading together and how to minimise passive viewing that can crowd out essential early learning.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised that screens are now part of family life, and that the guidance will help families balance screen use with the activities that support early childhood development.
Sign up for our free safeguarding Bulletin
Interested in Early Years membership?
We know that working in early years, it can feel a bit lonely in crucial areas like safeguarding. Our aim is for all settings to be able to build confidence in their safeguarding and be able to practice using appropriate materials designed by people who have walked in your shoes.
Shopping cart
Action Required