UK under-5 screen time guidance to target passive viewing

The UK will publish its first under-5 screen time guidance in April, focusing on reducing passive viewing after research linked heavy screen use in some two-year-olds to smaller vocabularies.

The UK government plans to publish its first under‑five screen time guidance in April. The move follows government‑commissioned research raising concerns that heavy daily screen use in toddlers can be linked with weaker vocabulary. Ministers are expected to focus on reducing passive viewing, when children watch without much interaction. Officials say the guidance will aim to be practical and informed by evidence and parent views. Key points: - The guidance is due in April and will be shaped by a panel reviewing the evidence and collecting views from parents and early years leaders. - Government‑commissioned research reported that the highest screen use in two‑year‑olds — around five hours a day — was associated with smaller vocabularies than peers averaging about 44 minutes a day. - The study found average daily screen time rose from about 29 minutes at nine months to 127 minutes by age two, and reported that 98% of two‑year‑olds used screens daily. - When viewing and gaming were combined the average reached about 140 minutes a day, with roughly 19% of two‑year‑olds reported to play video games. - The vocabulary measure used a 34‑word list, and the report noted about a quarter of children scored above a threshold linked with possible behavioural or emotional concerns. Summary: The guidance is expected to emphasise keeping screens from replacing talking, playing, and shared reading, with particular attention to reducing passive viewing. A panel will review the evidence and gather parental views before the guidance is finalised in April. Officials intend the advice to be practical rather than prescriptive.