New Government Guidelines Aim to Shape Healthy Screen Habits for Young Aussies
Parents across Australia are being urged to significantly curb screen time for young children, with new government guidelines recommending a strict limit of just one hour per day for those under five years old. The advice also strongly advises against exposing toddlers and preschoolers to artificial intelligence (AI) and social media platforms, aiming to foster healthier digital habits from an early age.
Sir Keir Starmer, in outlining the new recommendations, expressed a commitment to supporting parents in navigating the complexities of modern technology. “Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless,” he stated. “Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting. My Government will not leave parents to face this battle alone.” The initiative aims to provide parents with clear, actionable tips, delivered through online resources and family support centres, to help establish balanced screen time routines.
The push for these guidelines stems from growing concerns about the impact of excessive screen use on early childhood development. Educators have previously voiced worries that a significant number of children are starting school ill-equipped for basic learning tasks, such as holding conversations or manipulating physical books, due to prolonged exposure to devices like iPads.
While the new guidance focuses on the youngest age groups, some are calling for broader action. Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, welcomed the recommendations for under-fives but stressed that the issue extends far beyond this age bracket. “The impact extends well beyond the under-fives, and too often parents are left to contend with social media and big tech on their own,” she commented.
Key Recommendations for Early Years Screen Use:
- Under Twos: Screen time should generally be avoided for children under two years of age. The only exception is for shared activities that actively encourage interaction and engagement between the child and caregiver.
- Two to Five-Year-Olds: For children aged two to five, parents are advised to aim for a maximum of one hour of screen time per day. The guidance suggests that “less if possible” is always preferable.
For the screen time that is permitted for two to five-year-olds, the guidelines strongly recommend steering clear of content that is fast-paced and resembles social media-style videos. Additionally, parents are advised to avoid toys or digital tools that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI).
Creating Screen-Free Family Time:
The guidance also emphasises the importance of designated screen-free periods within the family routine. Specifically:
- Bedtimes and Mealtimes: These crucial family moments should be entirely free from screens. Instead, families are encouraged to engage in alternative activities such as listening to background music, playing table games, reading bedtime stories, or enjoying colouring activities together.
- Shared Screen Activities: When screens are used, interactive engagement is key. The guidance highlights that watching screens with children, talking about the content, and asking questions significantly benefits a child’s cognitive development compared to passive, solitary screen use. Examples of beneficial shared screen activities include video calls with friends and family or looking through digital photo albums together.
The development of these guidelines coincides with broader government considerations regarding the digital landscape for young people. Discussions are underway to potentially ban social media access for individuals under 16 and to prohibit smartphones within school grounds. These measures are currently a subject of debate between parliamentary parties, as they are being integrated into the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his commitment to supporting families: “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.”
However, some policy experts believe the government needs to take more decisive action. Iain Mansfield, head of education at the Policy Exchange think tank, commented, “While much of this guidance is good common sense, the Government is still ducking the most important questions. It needs to listen to the House of Lords and ban under-16s from social media and also make sure that every school is enforcing an effective smartphone ban.”
Previous government figures indicate a significant prevalence of screen use among very young children, with approximately 98 per cent of children reportedly watching screens daily by the age of two.
The current guidance was shaped by a panel comprising Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner, and Professor Russell Viner, a leading children’s health expert. Their review of existing evidence highlighted that prolonged periods of solitary screen time can negatively affect vital developmental activities, including sleep patterns, physical activity, creative play, and parent-child interaction. The panel also recommended that parents reflect on their own screen habits in the presence of their children and actively schedule screen-free times for the entire family.
