New Government Guidance Encourages Limits on Screen Time for Under-5s

Parents across Essex are being encouraged to build healthy screen habits for young children, following newly released guidance from the UK Government.

The advice, aimed at children under five, is designed to support development, sleep and overall wellbeing in a world where screens are increasingly part of everyday life.

What the guidance says

According to the guidance:

Children under 2 are advised to avoid screen time, except for interactive use such as video calls
Children aged 2 to 5 should have no more than around one hour of screen time per day
Parents are encouraged to:
- choose slow-paced, age-appropriate content
- avoid screens during mealtimes and before bed
- watch together, rather than leaving children to use devices alone

The guidance also suggests balancing screen use with activities such as reading, outdoor play and social interaction.

Guidance, not rules

The recommendations are not legally enforced rules, but are intended to help parents make informed decisions about screen use.

Health experts, including those linked to the NHS, have long highlighted the potential impact of excessive screen time on:

Sleep patterns
Attention and learning
Speech and language development

Why now?

The guidance comes as screen use among young children continues to rise, with many introduced to digital devices from an early age.

Officials say small, manageable changes to daily routines can make a meaningful difference over time.

Online safety support

Essex Police have shared the guidance locally and are also directing parents to their “Sort Your Settings” platform, which offers practical advice on keeping children safe while using devices.

🍓 Strawberry Reporter says:
In an ideal world, it’s one hour of screen time. In the real world… sometimes it’s survival mode and a cartoon. No judgement here.

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