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Screen time

Screen time facts & advice

Help children balance their screen time and adopt a healthy digital diet. Choose a guide below to help children get the most out of their devices.

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Finding a healthy screen time balance | Internet Matters campaign

What’s inside the hub

Explore the hub to find expert screen time tips and guidance.

Children using a tablet and a laptop while sitting on the floor surrounded by toys.

What is screen time?

Find out the benefits and potential risks screen time can present.

A teen boy wears headphones while browsing on a laptop.

Get the most out of screen time

Help children make the most out of their time on devices with these tips.

A boy spends his screen time on a tablet with the light reflecting on his face.

Tackle “too much” screen time

Learn tips and tricks to help you handle screen time with your child.

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Screen time resources

See a list of organisations that can support you and your child.

Text reads Balance with a clock underneath.

Creating a balanced digital diet

Tips to help children manage their screen and create a good digital diet.

Support children with digital stories

Our Digital Matters online platform allows you to teach children about online issues using digital stories. See our Once Upon Online story based around balancing screen time to support them.

Recommended resources

How to help 0-5s balance screen time How to help 5-7-year-olds balance screen time How to help children manage screen time How to help pre-teens manage screen time How to help teens balance screen time What to do if your child with additional needs spends too much time online

Featured screen time articles

A mother using a tablet with her young son.

Medium read 13th October 2026

Not all screen time is created equal: What is slow media and why does it matter?

Learn about slow media and how it can support young children's development during screen time.

A family watches something on a streaming service together.

Long read 22nd May 2026

How BBFC age ratings can help you navigate streaming services

Learn how BBFC ratings work on streaming services along with what to watch out for to keep streaming safe.

A teen uses a computer.

Medium read 23rd March 2026

Screen time soars as real-world connection declines for UK children

The fifth annual Children's Wellbeing in a Digital World index shows increasing screen time over other activities.

Boy with serious expression looking at phone

Long read 13th March 2026

What is looksmaxxing? Online safety guidance for parents

Looksmaxxing is a trend which encourages people to put appearance above all else, sometimes at the risk of their own health.

Sad boy sat on sofa on his phone

Long read 6th March 2026

What is monetisation? Online safety guidance for parents

Monetisation is how content creators earn money through social media. Views and engagement earn creators money.