On Friday 27 March 2026, the government published new, evidence-informed guidance to help parents and carers of children under 5 navigate screen time.

Digital screens are now a normal part of family life. The early years are however critical for development - 90% of a child’s brain development occurs by age 5, making it a critical period for the development of social, emotional and cognitive skills.

The advice is informed by recommendations from an expert panel and has also been developed with parents. It is designed to provide practical, clear and straightforward advice to help families make informed choices that support their child’s development during the years that matter most.