UK government issues new guidance on children's screen time

On March 27, 2026, the British government released official guidance regarding screen time for young children to help parents manage digital exposure. The new recommendations advise against any screen time for children under the age of two. For children between two and five years old, screen usage should be limited to a maximum of one hour per day. Furthermore, the government advises avoiding screen use during meals and before bedtime, while emphasizing that an adult should always be present during digital device usage. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced these measures while visiting a school in South London, noting the government's commitment to supporting parents. The guidance follows a government report identifying potential risks to sleep, physical activity, creative play, and parental interaction. Additionally, the government has launched a consultation process to potentially ban social media access for individuals under the age of 16.