Parents are set to receive updated guidance on screen time for children under the age of five due to concerns about increased usage by young kids.
It is reported that Bridget Phillipson is in discussions with England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty regarding the use of social media by children and adolescents. The Education Secretary is reviewing the advice on screen time, which has not been revised since 2019.
The current recommendations suggest that children should keep phones out of their bedrooms at night, have screen-free meal times, and take breaks after using screens. Updated guidance is anticipated early next year, with a focus on providing advice to parents of children under five years old.
Government ministers acknowledge the challenges as they aim not to interfere with parental choices for their children. However, there are concerns that parents may be unaware of the available advice.
A source from the government stated, “It is essential that parents understand the risks associated with excessive screen time for young children. This government is committed to ensuring that parents have access to the most current information to give every child the best possible start in life.”
According to an Ofcom report from May, nearly one-fifth (19%) of three to five-year-olds own a mobile phone, and 63% use a tablet to access the internet. Approximately 37% engage in social media, such as YouTube, with about 19% of parents permitting unsupervised use of these apps.
Last year, the Commons’ Education Committee cautioned that parents needed clear guidance on managing screen time. Members of Parliament emphasized the need to revise advice for parents of infants and young children to emphasize the importance of face-to-face interaction and to warn about the risks of excessive screen time.
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson welcomed the forthcoming updates but urged for stronger actions against tech companies. She emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive public health strategy to address the issue of excessive screen time among children.
Ms. Phillipson has been collaborating with Technology Secretary Liz Kendall to explore additional measures to safeguard children online. Ms. Kendall has suggested the possibility of implementing two-hour app restrictions for children or a ban on social media during school hours.
She expressed willingness to consider any measures required to ensure children’s online safety, including potential legislative changes.
In July, Ofcom’s new children’s code came into effect, directing social media platforms to control harmful algorithms, expedite the removal of harmful content, and enforce stringent age verification processes. This guidance assists tech companies in complying with the new regulations under the UK’s Online Safety Act.