How to manage screen time for young children
Top tips to support children in Lower Primary
As screens become a bigger part of young children’s lives at home and at school, it’s important to put balance and purpose behind screen time.
In this guide, learn how to help your child develop key skills and benefit most from their screen use.
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What does research say about screen time at ages 5-7?
As children start primary school, they will learn new ways of using tech. Like children under 5, Ofcom research found that children at this age use tablets most. However, unlike children in early years, those starting primary school make more use of consoles and computers. Additionally, children at this age make more use of their devices for gaming. This is especially true for console use; 22% of children aged 3-4 use consoles for gaming compared to 59% of 5-7-year-olds.
When it comes to official guidance, there isn’t any. However, according to the NHS, children “should have no more than 2 hours of screen time each day.” Children at this age also need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, so taking a break from screens can help them get moving. Additionally, using that screen time to get active can help them learn balance. See our guide to active apps here or wellbeing apps here.
According to Ofcom, 93% of 5-7s watch videos online.
Our tracker survey revealed 40% of children aged 6-10 spend 1-2 hours on devices on a weekday, which is within the recommended limits. During the weekend, a similar number spend 3-4 hours each day on devices.
Our tracker survey found that 66% of children aged 6-10 use tablets, second highest after smart TVs.
According to Ofcom, 34% of 5-7-year-olds play video games online. In total, 89% play video games (either offline or online).
Favourite apps for 5-7-year-olds
The most popular apps for children starting primary school, according to parent responses on our tracker survey, are:
Similarly, research from Ofcom named YouTube as most popular among 5-7s (89%). Additionally, they were more likely to use YouTube Kids than the regular app or site.
What parents say about screen time at this age
At this age, parents’ approach to screen time is about giving kids space. For 3-4s, parents were more likely (65%) to sit with their child as they used a device. However, less than half (45%) of parents in this age group did the same. This reflects the growing independence of children at this age when it comes to tech use.
Still, 75% say they are nearby and check-in regularly as their child uses their device, according to Ofcom. 72% of parents also said their child has good screen time balance. However, a third do find it hard to control screen time of 5-7-year-olds.
How does screen time affect children in Lower Primary?
- Screen use provides a range of opportunities for creativity and learning.
- Screens offer ways to help kids maintain relationships with family and friends from anywhere.
- For low-income households, screens can offer free or inexpensive ways to teach and entertain children.
- Children can learn both technical and ‘soft’ skills that will help them in future hobbies and careers. Learn about the skills they need.
- Technology can connect children with others all over the world, expanding their worldview and developing empathy for others.
- Educational apps on devices can teach coordination, reflexes, literacy, language and more.
- As they start to access the internet more, 5-7-year-olds risk stumbling across inappropriate content that could negatively impact their digital wellbeing.
- Passive screen time could have a physical effect on their development (i.e. eyes, brain), sleep cycle and behaviour. If children spend extended amounts of time sitting still, this could lead to other physical issues.
- Almost 3 in 10 parents say screen time means they have to fight for their child’s attention and over a quarter (26%) say it has an impact on completing homework.
- Younger children may not understand the concept of what the internet is and how it works so could find it hard to differentiate between what is real and what is fake.
- As children use devices to connect more with others, there is a greater risk of online safety issues such as cyberbullying and grooming.
What are the signs of poor screen time balance?
The following are potential signs of poor screen time balance in 5-7-year-olds.
- Anxious behaviour when they can’t access their devices. Alternatively, they might appear anxious while using their devices; some children feel compelled to use their device even when they don’t want to.
- Trouble falling or staying asleep, potentially due to late nights or extended blue screen light from devices.
- Difficulty focusing on other tasks away from devices, or complete avoidance.
- Intense mood swings or fights when it comes to taking device breaks.
Remember that children’s behaviour can mean many things, so it’s important to speak with your GP about any concerns. For additional support to help children balance screen time, explore this screen time guide.
