How to manage screen time for under-5s
Top tips to support children in Early Years
At this age, the tech children use is often limited to tablets or streaming services. This introduction to screen use means it’s a perfect time to create positive screen time habits that grow with your child.
Explore the guide below for support.
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What does research say about screen time for under-5s?
Firstly, it’s important to remember that not all screen time is created equally. Some apps, shows and content is more developmentally appropriate than others. As well as this, how your child consumes content makes a huge difference. For example, passive watching has fewer benefits than active learning.
Research found that excessive television viewing can negatively affect language development, reading abilities and motor skills at this age. Related guidance from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests no more than 2 hours of television per day.
Furthermore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has guidance for under-5s that recommends no more than 1 hour of “sedentary screen time.” This refers to screen time where children sit still. However, their guidance doesn’t mention other types of screen time. Here are their recommendations:
- infants less than 1 year old: screen time is not recommended.
- 1-year-olds: sedentary screen time is not recommended (that is, screen time where they sit still).
- 2-4-year-olds: no more than 1 hour of sedentary screen time, though “less is better.”
Remember that one size does not fit all when it comes to screen time. Instead, it’s more about getting it right for your families needs.
Tablets are the most popular device for children at this age, where most screen time is spent watching videos.
2/3 of parents of 3-4-year-olds said they sit beside their children while they use devices, watching or helping them.
70% of 3-4-year-olds play video games.
Nearly 1/3 of parents of children at this age say they struggle to control their child’s screen time.
Favourite apps for under-5s
These apps are commonly used among 3-4-year-olds, according to Ofcom:
- YouTube (87%), including YouTube Kids (51%)
- WhatsApp (25%)
- FaceTime (19%)
What parents say about screen time at this age
Unlike parents of older children, parents of under-5s are more likely to supervise their child’s screen time. For this, they are likely to sit beside their child and use the device with them or help them. Half of parents reported this as the main approach to online safety. 21% said their main approach was conversations.
Additionally, 73% of parents said they believed their child had good screen time balance. In fact, research found that children at this age spend more time on average playing with toys and games than they do playing video games.
How does screen time affect young children?
- Quality screen media can help 2-4-year-olds develop early language and literacy as well as play.
- Good quality programmes via TV or streaming services can also support cognitive development.
- Apps that teach young children to read can also support early literacy development.
- Connecting through video calls also gives children the opportunity to learn and socialise when meeting in person is not possible, as shown through the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Too much sedentary screen time use can lead to health issues in the future, such as obesity.
- Research found links between prolonged screen use and language issues. Additionally, background television in infancy also suggested language delays as children grew.
- Other studies reported that exposure to multiple media forms was linked to less focused attention in toddlers. The ability to focus their attention is through to be a key part of development for toddlers to support executive function abilities as they grow.
- Excessive screen time also has links to lower vocabulary and grammar scores.
Remember that balance is key to managing screen time. At this age, screen use should be minimal and purposeful.
What are the signs of poor screen time balance?
It’s important to look out for signs of too much screen time in toddlers, this can include:
- Overstimulation that takes the shape of aggression, bouts of crying and an inability to sit still.
- Preferring screen time use over interacting with others or doing other activities.
- Feeling anxious or stressed about not having their device or while using their device.
