UK Urges Screen Limit of One Hour for Children Under 5

The UK government has issued new guidance urging parents to limit screen time for children under five to no more than one hour per day, with stricter rules for toddlers, as part of efforts to promote healthy development amid rising concerns over technology's impact on young minds.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the recommendations on Thursday, emphasizing support for families navigating a digital landscape. "Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless," Starmer said. "Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting. My government will not leave parents to face this battle alone." The guidance, available for free on the Best Start in Life website, was developed by an expert panel led by Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner, a paediatrician specializing in child health. The panel reviewed scientific evidence showing that prolonged solo screen use can disrupt sleep, physical activity, creative play and parent-child interactions, all critical for early development.

For children under two, screens should be avoided entirely except for shared activities that foster bonding, such as video calls with family or viewing photos...