Keep under-fives’ screen time to no more than an hour a day, UK advice says

Keir Starmer promises to help parents limit children’s online activity as government issues guidance to families Children under five should spend no more than an hour a day on screens, new government advice says. Screen time for children under two should be avoided except for shared activities encouraging interaction, families are advised. In addition, the government is considering Australia-style measures to limit or ban social media for under-16s. The guidance was developed by a panel led by the children’s commissioner, Rachel de Souza, and the children’s health expert Prof Russell Viner. Keir Starmer said the guidance would help families keep children safe and ensure they built healthy habits with screens. The prime minister said: “Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless. Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting. My government will not leave parents to face this battle alone.” Starmer added: “There will be some who will oppose us doing this. But whether it’s navigating technology, tackling the cost of living or balancing the demands of family life, I will always stand on the side of parents doing their best for their children.” The gui