In a move to address the growing concerns over the impact of screen time on young children, the British government has announced plans to provide official guidance to parents of under-fives in England. The guidance, set to be published in April, aims to offer parents advice on the appropriate amount of time their children should spend watching TV or using digital devices.
The decision comes as research reveals that a staggering 98% of children under two are exposed to screens on a daily basis. This has led to concerns that young children are finding it increasingly difficult to engage in conversation or concentrate on learning, with those who spend the most time in front of screens (around five hours a day) reportedly able to say significantly fewer words than their peers who watch for around 44 minutes.
The guidance will be formulated by a national working group led by Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, and Professor Russell Viner, a scientific adviser from the Department for Education. The group will consult with parents, children, and early years practitioners to develop the recommendations.
In addition to providing advice on appropriate screen time, the guidance will also suggest alternatives to screen-based activities for young children, such as reading stories, singing, and play-based learning.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the ubiquity of screens in modern family life, stating, “Screen time is part of family life now. The question parents are asking isn’t whether to use them, but how to use them well.” She encouraged parents to explore educational apps and games as a way to incorporate technology into their children’s routines.
Felicity Gillespie, the director of the charitable foundation Kindred Squared, welcomed the forthcoming guidance, describing it as “overdue and very welcome.” She stressed the need to increase public understanding of how screens and digital devices can interfere with the way babies and toddlers learn best, which is through face-to-face interaction, conversation, and play.
The announcement comes as the Conservative party has proposed banning under-16s from accessing social media platforms, following the example set by Australia. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott emphasized the need to shift the social norm and protect children from the harmful effects of social media.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating that there is no single solution that will address all the challenges posed by screen time. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that children are focused on learning and not distracted by phones and social media while at school.
As the government prepares to release the new guidance, parents and educators alike will be watching closely to see how the recommendations can help families navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape and ensure that young children are given the best possible start in life.
