Screen Use in the Early Years

The Department for Education has published guidance to help families and early years settings support healthy and positive screen use for young children.

For children under 2, screen use should generally be avoided, apart from activities such as video calls. For children aged 2–5, screen time should be limited to up to 1 hour a day, or less where possible.

Young children learn and develop through real-world experiences. Active play, outdoor activities, exploring, looking at books, talking with adults and playing with other children are all important for their development and wellbeing.

Where screens are used, they should be purposeful, age-appropriate and supported by an adult. Screen use should not replace opportunities for physical activity, creative play, social interaction, sleep or family time.

Parents and carers are encouraged to think about when, why and how screens are being used, and to create healthy routines around screen time at home.

Find out more: DfE guidance on screen use