The government is set to launch new guidance for parents on screen time for children under five, following research that links prolonged viewing to poorer speech and language development.
Research Reveals Stark Impact on Toddlers' Language
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will announce on Monday the formation of a national working group to develop the advice, with input from parents, children, and early years practitioners. The move comes as government research indicates a clear connection between screen use and delayed language skills in the very young.
Writing in the Sunday Times, Ms Phillipson highlighted that by age two, around 98% of children are using screens like mobiles, tablets, and TVs daily. This period is critical for language acquisition. The survey of 4,758 parents found that children with the highest screen time – approximately five hours a day – could say significantly fewer words than those who watched for around 44 minutes daily.
"Parents, teachers and nursery workers talk about children arriving at nursery and school and finding it harder to hold conversations, focus, or engage in learning," Ms Phillipson added.
Guidance to Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity
It is reported that the forthcoming guidance is likely to suggest using screens as part of a structured activity, such as interactive storytime or educational games, rather than passive viewing. The advice, expected to be published in April, will also be accompanied by lessons for parents on early years development, with a focus on speech and language.
"I want this to be shaped with parents, not dictated to them," Ms Phillipson stated. "We'll be using our engagement sessions over the next few weeks to understand exactly what they want the guidance to include."
She emphasised that the goal is to offer clear, practical advice on how screens fit alongside essential everyday activities like talking, playing, and reading together.
A Growing National Conversation on Screen Use
The topic of children's screen time remains controversial. In October, the Princess of Wales warned that smartphones and computer screens were fostering "an epidemic of disconnection" within families.
Previous political figures have also weighed in. Former Technology Secretary Peter Kyle told Sky News in July he had considered a two-hour daily limit per social media platform for children to tackle compulsive use, though the policy was never enacted.
Internationally, Australia introduced a law in December banning under-16s from having social media accounts in an attempt to combat cyberbullying and online addiction, a policy some UK MPs have suggested copying.
The new UK working group will be led by the Children's Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, and scientific adviser Professor Russell Viner. The terms of reference for the group will be published on Monday, 12 January 2026.
