No Screens Before Two: Inside The UK’s Tough New Guidance For Babies And Toddlers

New screen time limits have been revealed for children in the UK under five. 

The guidance, from the UK government, comes as almost one-quarter (24%) of parents of three‑ to five‑year‑olds say they find it hard to control their child’s screen time, and 98% of two‑year‑olds watch screens every day. 

In response to parents calling for support on how much screen time is too much, as well as how to build healthy habits, the government shared new evidence-informed guidance for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. 

What are the new screen time rules?

Under twos should avoid screen time other than for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation (ie. FaceTiming family), per the new guidance.

Meanwhile two- to five-year-olds should stick to no more than one hour of screen time a day.

The government also advises avoiding screen time at mealtimes and in the hour before bed, so as not to disrupt sleep.

What else does the guidance say?

• Opt for slow-paced, age-appropriate content.
• Fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI toys or tools should be avoided for young children.
• Parents are encouraged to watch or use screens together to make the experience more interactive, as talking, asking questions, and engaging with the content is better for children’s development.
• Make safe screen swaps like reading bedtime stories together or playing simple games at mealtimes.

The guidance stems from the findings of an expert panel led by the Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner, a paediatrician and expert in children’s health.

The panel reviewed the latest evidence on screen use in under-5s, and found long periods of time spent on screens alone can get in the way of activities critical for development.

Think: sleep, physical activity, creative play, and interaction with parents.

But not all screen use is equal.

Watching screens with an engaged adult where parents talk and ask questions is linked to better cognitive development than solo use.

Slow-paced content is also far better for development than fast-paced social media-style videos.

Evidence also suggests time limits shouldn’t apply in the same way for screen-based assistive technologies to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Prime minister Keir Starmer said: “Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless. Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting.”

The new guidance “cuts through the noise”, he added, “to keep children safe and make sure healthy habits are baked in from the start”.

Admitting that some will oppose the guidance, he added, “I will always stand on the side of parents doing their best for their children”.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: “Young children need their parents to be confident in managing their screen use, but often this can be overwhelming for parents learning to navigate this.  

“My hope is that this guidance helps to cut through the conflicting advice available and prioritise children’s development and wellbeing, as well as their safety.”

Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, welcomed the new guidance and its emphasis on providing practical tips and advice for parents and carers.

He added he hopes it’s “the first step towards equipping children – and those supporting them – with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world and ensuring that technology enhances rather than undermines early learning and wellbeing”.