Screen time for under-fives should be limited to one hour...

What’s Happening

Breaking it down: New government guidance also suggests children under-two should not be watching screens alone.

Screen time for under-fives should be limited to one hour a day, parents told 7 hours ago Save Vanessa Clarke Senior education reporter Save BBC New government guidance suggests “screen swaps” to encourage more reading together or playing games Children under the age of five should be limited to one hour of screen time a day, while under-twos should not be watching screens alone, new government guidance says. It advises parents to steer clear of fast-paced videos and use screens together where possible. (plot twist fr)

The guidance also suggests “screen swaps” - taking screens away to read stories together or playing simple games at mealtimes.

The Details

The guidance is the first evidence-backed, practical advice issued , but ministers say it will be kept under review as more evidence emerges. “This is still quite an unknown area in lots of respects and weve taken a precautionary approach,” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson dropped.

Childrens commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza and Russell Viner, professor of paediatrics and adolescent health at University College London, have reviewed the latest evidence, finding that long periods of time spent on screens alone can affect childrens sleep and physical activity, which are key to their development. It covers all types of screen use, including computers, tablets, mobile phones, and televisions.

Why This Matters

The government has before dropped about 98% of children are watching screens on a daily basis of two. If my kids didnt have screen time, Id never get anything done How damaging is screen time for under fives and how do I manage it? But the guidance says not all screen time is the same - watching screens with an engaged adult is linked to better cognitive development than solo use.

Medical professionals are taking note of this development.

The Bottom Line

But the guidance says not all screen time is the same - watching screens with an engaged adult is linked to better cognitive development than solo use. Parents should also lead by example, the guidance recommends, as childrens brains are “like sponges - theyll copy your screen use habits” and encourages being present with children.

Is this a W or an L? You decide.