How to manage screen time for under-5s
From watching smart TVs to seeing family members using devices, many children aged 5 and under are already experiencing screen time in some way.
Use this guide to help your child develop good screen time habits that support them as they grow.
Screen time tips to support 0-5 yrs (Early years) – Internet Matters
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In this guide
- How much screen time should under-5s have?
- How does screen time affect young children?
- Signs of poor screen time balance
- Supporting resources
How much screen time should under-5s have?
Firstly, it’s important to remember that not all screen time is created equal. Some apps, games and videos are 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.
UK Government guidance
In 2026, the UK Government announced the following recommendations for screen time in under-5s:
- under 2s: no screen time, except for shared family activities which ‘encourage bonding, interaction and conversation’.
- 2 to 5: maximum 1 hour; less if possible.
This guidance is based in research and is continuing to develop.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
The WHO also offers the following guidance related specifically to physical movement and exercise:
- under 1s: screen time is not recommended; children shouldn’t spend more than 1 hour in one position.
- 1-year-olds: sedentary screen time (such as watching a TV show) is not recommended.
- 2 to 4s: no more than 1 hour of screen time per day, though less is better.
This guidance was shared in 2019 and focuses on movement, development and sleep.
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.
