Parents of young children in England are about to get new advice on screen time. The government plans to release its first guidance for kids under five in April.
Recent research shows that nearly all children under two, about 98%, spend time in front of screens daily. Many parents and educators have noticed that this may be making it harder for children to communicate and concentrate. The study also found that children who spent about five hours a day on screens could say significantly fewer words than those who only watched for around 44 minutes.
A key group, led by Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, and Professor Russell Viner from the Department of Education, will develop this guidance. They aim to hear from parents, children, and early childhood experts. Their kickoff meeting will be announced soon, focusing on how families can reduce screen time while offering engaging alternatives.
Interestingly, there’s a big gap in daily reading among different income groups. About 77% of children in high-income families are read to daily, while only 32% of those in low-income families receive the same. This disparity highlights the need for more resources to help lower-income families engage with their children in meaningful ways.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged that screens are now a part of everyday life. She emphasized that parents aren’t asking whether to use screens but rather how to do so effectively. Sharing stories on tablets or playing educational games could be good options.
Expert Felicity Gillespie from Kindred Squared welcomed this upcoming guidance, stating that many parents believe limiting screen time will help their kids be more ready for school. A recent poll indicated that 40% of parents share this belief. Gillespie stressed the importance of understanding how screens can affect young children’s learning—highlighting that babies learn best through face-to-face interactions.
Neil Leitch from the Early Years Alliance expressed cautious support for this initiative but pointed out the need for broader guidance on digital literacy and online safety. He believes that more comprehensive support is essential for families and educators.
This announcement follows recent political moves, like proposals from the Conservative Party to ban under-16s from social media if they regain power. This is similar to Australia’s recent policy change that restricts access for minors to social platforms. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott highlighted the need to change perceptions about children’s safety on these sites.
With experts like former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recognizing the complexity of the issue, it’s clear that balancing screen time with other activities is no easy task. Schools also play a role, as discussions continue about possibly banning smartphones in classrooms to minimize distractions.
As these conversations evolve, many parents are looking for effective ways to limit screen time and foster healthier interactions for their children. It’s about finding a balance that works for families in today’s digital age.
For more insights on this topic, you can read the official report here.
