Parents of young children now have new government-backed guidance to consider: children under the age of 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, according to a report from the Department of Education. For children under 2, the recommendation goes even further, advising that screens be avoided entirely except when used interactively and alongside a caregiver.
The guidance marks the first evidence-backed, practical advice issued by the government on the subject, though officials have noted it will continue to be reviewed as new research emerges. For many parents already juggling work, household demands, and the needs of multiple children, the recommendation may feel like a tall order. Still, experts say even small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Why the first 5 years matter so much for brain development
The stakes are high during this window of childhood. According to the government report, 90% of brain growth happens before age 5, making the early years a critical period for development. Excessive screen exposure during this time has been linked to delays in language development, emotional and behavioral difficulties, slower cognitive processing, disrupted sleep, and issues related to eyesight and weight.
Children absorb their most foundational skills in the first year of life, which is why human interaction during that period carries so much weight. A child’s brain has what researchers describe as a built-in seeking system one that is activated through direct, one-on-one engagement with other people. When caregivers speak to young children, point out interesting things in the world, and respond to their cues, that system is strengthened, feeding a child’s motivation to explore and understand their environment.
Separate government research published earlier this year found that children with the highest screen time around 5 hours per day could say significantly fewer words than peers who watched around 44 minutes daily.
How parents can manage screen time at home
The guidance is clear that parents should lead by example. Young children’s brains are highly imitative, meaning they tend to mirror the habits they see modeled at home, including how often adults reach for their phones. Experts recommend putting devices away as much as possible during shared family time.
Two specific daily routines stand out as important screen-free zones:
Mealtimes, rather than turning to a screen, families are encouraged to fill the quiet with music, casual conversation, drawing, or simple games.
Bedtimes, screens should be avoided for at least an hour before sleep, since exposure can disrupt rest. Reading together is offered as a recommended alternative.
A professor of psychology at the University of Sheffield also suggests treating children as conversational partners from infancy. Whether during a bus ride or a mundane chore at home, narrating daily activities out loud and allowing children to respond even as babies provides valuable interaction without requiring extra time. Research supports slowing down the pace of conversation to give young children room to take their turn.
For children who use screen based assistive technologies due to special educational needs or disabilities, the report notes that standard time limits do not apply in the same way.
Not all screen time is created equal
One important nuance in the guidance is that the type and quality of screen use matters as much as the quantity. Watching content alongside an engaged adult has been linked to better cognitive outcomes than solo viewing. For parents who do allow screen time, the Department of Education recommends content that is:
Slow paced and calm
Simple in its storytelling
Repetitive and familiar
Made specifically for young age groups
Built around a clear narrative structure with a beginning, middle and end
Fast-paced, algorithm driven video content the kind common on social media platforms is considered overstimulating for young children. Researchers say this type of content triggers a stress response in a child’s brain, accelerating heart rate and flooding the body with unnecessary energy, rather than promoting calm focus or learning.
Stepping away from screens is not only beneficial for children, experts note it can also support the mental and emotional wellbeing of parents. Research suggests that slowing down to match the pace of a young child, even briefly, can help caregivers regulate their own stress levels as well.
The overarching message from experts is one of balance rather than perfection: screen time should support connection and play, not replace it.
