Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to “fight” social media companies as the government launches new screen-time guidance for children. The advice, developed by a panel led by the children’s commissioner and a health expert, recommends that children under five spend no more than an hour a day on screens.
The guidance advises avoiding screen time for children under two, except for shared activities like video calls. For two- to five-year-olds, it suggests steering clear of fast-paced social media-style videos and AI-powered toys. Bedtimes and mealtimes should be screen-free, with alternatives such as music, games, and colouring encouraged.
Speaking at a school in south London, Starmer said: “Some of this will require a fight. If we’re going to do more to protect children, we’re going to have to fight some of the platforms… they’re putting this addictive stuff up there for a reason.” The government is consulting on potential age restrictions for social media, gaming, and AI chatbots, as well as curbs on addictive design features.
About 98% of children watch screens daily by age two, and research shows high screen time is linked to reduced reading and outdoor activities, and impacts language development. Professor Russell Viner noted: “Too much solo screen time can crowd out the things that make the biggest difference – sleep, play, physical activity and talking with parents.”
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health welcomed the guidance, with vice-president Dr Mike McKean saying it helps parents navigate “short, but developmentally crucial early years”. The panel stressed that limits should not apply equally to children with special educational needs who use screen-based assistive technologies.
