How much screen time should under-fives have? A practical guide for parents

From cartoons to iPad games, screens can be hard to avoid when you have young children. While you might worry about how much screen time your child is getting, screens can also offer opportunities to learn, explore and develop language.

In fact, a government report highlights how high-quality digital content, such as educational programmes with simple stories and clear, slow speech, can support early learning, especially when this is alongside everyday activities like playing and talking together. But with so much content available, how do you know what's suitable, how much screen time is appropriate and when it's time to switch off?

This is where the Best Start in Life screen time guidance comes in, with practical advice on choosing the right content for your child, setting screen time limits and finding a healthy balance with play, sleep and family time.

How much screen time should under-fives have?

The Best Start in Life screen time guidance recommends different approaches depending on your child's age, while also leaving plenty of time for play and family activities.

• For children under two: Avoid screen time, apart from shared activities that encourage bonding and conversation, such as video calls with grandparents or other family members.

• For children aged two to five: Aim for one hour of screen time a day or less, including TV, tablet games and other screens.

Of course, every family's routine is different, and some days these limits may be harder to stick to. That's OK. What matters is being mindful of how screens fit into your child's day.

Healthy screen habits start with small changes

When it comes to screen time for two to five year old children, age matters. The Best Start in Life screen time guidance recommends:

• Watch together when you can: Chat about what's happening on screen and ask your child questions.

• Choose content carefully: Look for age-appropriate programmes with simple stories, clear speech and a slow pace.

• Make time to switch off: Keep mealtimes and the hour before bed screen-free, leaving time to read, chat and wind down. 

What are the effects of too much screen time on under-fives?

According to the Best Start in Life screen time guidance, around 90% of brain growth happens before the age of five, and young children learn best through warm, responsive interactions with parents and carers. Too much screen time, particularly when it replaces activities like playing, talking and spending time together, may affect their health and development.

According to a 2026 UK government-commissioned review, high amounts of screen time have been linked to difficulties with children's social, emotional and language development, sleep, eyesight and maintaining a healthy weight. Here’s what parents should be aware of: 

• Sleep: Screens close to bedtime can make it harder for your child to wind down.

• Concentration: Fast-paced videos with rapidly changing images and sounds may make it harder for young children to focus.

• Language development: Long periods of passive screen viewing can mean fewer opportunities for talking, listening and learning new words.

• Social skills: Too much screen time can leave less room for face-to-face interactions, where children learn to recognise emotions, take turns and build relationships.

This doesn't mean the occasional TV programme is something to worry about. The important thing is making time with your child to talk, play, read, move around and connect with you.

Is watching TV better than using a tablet?

Not necessarily. A government report suggests that what your child watches, how they use screens and whether you watch together matter more than the device itself. Whatever the screen, choose age-appropriate, slower-paced content and chat about what you're watching together.

One advantage of TV is that it can be easier to control what your child watches, while tablets and phones may expose them to unsuitable content through apps or autoplay. To help keep your child safe, Internet Matters recommends using parental controls to filter age-inappropriate content, manage which apps your child can access and restrict purchases or downloads. You can also turn off autoplay to stop videos playing one after another. 

The Best Start in Life screen time guidance recommends avoiding social media, AI toys and tools (such as toys or apps that use artificial intelligence to respond to your child) and chatbots (programmes that can have conversations with your child).

5 practical ways to reduce screen time without the battles

If your child is halfway through Bluey or PAW Patrol, switching off isn't always easy. These simple changes can help make screen time easier to manage.

1. Set clear, consistent boundaries

Switching off a favourite programme isn't always easy, but having a predictable routine can help your child know what to expect. Try setting a regular time for watching TV, using a visual timer to show when screen time is nearly over or keeping mealtimes screen-free.

Children benefit from clear, consistent boundaries, particularly when everyone caring for them follows a similar approach. You could also give your child a gentle warning before switching off and suggest what you'll do together next, whether that's reading a book, playing with toys or heading outside.

2. Keep mealtimes and bedtime screen-free

Screens can distract children from family conversations at mealtimes and make it harder for them to settle at bedtime. That's why the Best Start in Life screen time guidance recommends switching them off during meals and at least an hour before bed. Try chatting or playing guessing games over dinner, then winding down with a favourite book or quiet activity.

 Mumsnetter, HoldItAllTogether says, "My kids grew up with screens and with screen rules. For me the key was consistency. My kids were allowed an hour of computer/ipad or gaming systems and that was the rule and I enforced it. There isn’t a magic trick, you just have to do it. [...]" 

3. Offer simple screen-free activities

You don't need expensive toys or elaborate plans. Everyday activities, particularly when your child can join in, can be just as engaging.

As Mumsnetter lxn889121 says: “Let them help with a bit of cooking/household stuff (at age three, they can do very basic kitchen tasks and will find it fun if you make it so) and otherwise don't panic if they are bored, it’s perfectly fine.”

Mumsnetter redskyAtNigh takes a similar approach: “I think it's easier to introduce other activities so that screens fit in the time between activities, than to focus on restricting screens. Take them out of the house as much as possible. If in the house, have a specific activity such as craft or LEGO building or cookery or whatever. […]”

4. Make switching off easier

Give your child a five-minute warning before screen time ends and explain what happens next. If they get upset, acknowledge their feelings and offer another activity.

Mumsnetter Fhipiddf shares what worked for her: “I had this [my toddler having a tantrum] after [having a] new baby. Instead of just saying no TV, I’d get her involved in an activity then turn the TV off or put the radio on instead and just say, ‘Oh we don’t need that on when we’re playing’.”

5. Model healthy habits yourself

Children notice how you use screens too. If you can, put your phone away during meals or playtime so you can give your child your full attention. Leaving it in another room during family activities can also help show there's a time and place for screens.

Screen time FAQs

Does video calling count as screen time?

Video calls are different from watching programmes or playing games. The Best Start in Life screen time guidance makes an exception for shared activities that encourage bonding and conversation for children under two. Chatting to grandparents or family members over video can help your child stay connected.

Is screen time before bed bad for young children?

Yes, screen time before bed can make it harder for your child to settle and fall asleep. Blue light from screens can also interfere with the body's natural sleep signals, while exciting or stimulating content can make it harder to wind down. Try keeping screens out of your child's bedroom, particularly at bedtime. Instead, stick to a familiar bedtime routine, such as sharing a book, listening to a story on a children's audio player or enjoying a calming bath.

Does background TV count as screen time?

Even when your child isn't watching, background TV can distract them from playing and interacting with you. The Best Start in Life screen time guidance recommends switching it off when nobody's watching, particularly during playtime and meals.

Does the screen time guidance apply to young children with additional needs?

Yes, but children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may use screens differently. Some rely on assistive technology, such as communication apps, to express themselves or support learning.

Recommendations may need adapting to your child's needs. The Best Start in Life screen time guidance offers further advice. 

About Best Start in Life

The Best Start in Life website brings together information and support for every stage of your child's early years and beyond. From pregnancy and feeding to childcare and early years education, get advice and support at BestStartinLife.gov.uk.

It's also where you can find out about government childcare support schemes, use the Childcare Checker, get details on free breakfast clubs and wraparound childcare and learn the key skills your child needs to start Reception.