UK Government Launches Call for Evidence to Develop First Official Guidance on Children's Screen Time

The UK government has launched a three-week call for evidence to develop official guidance on children's screen use, the first such national advice from ministers. The guidance, due in autumn, will address parents of children aged five to 16 and cover how much screen time is appropriate, when children should receive their first smartphone, and how technology is used in schools.

" Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza, who is co-chair of the call for evidence, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that young people benefit from technology but that children, parents, and carers struggle to find the right balance.

She described the issue as "the bane of our life" and said teenagers often ask how to cut down on screen time and want adults to intervene. The consultation will examine screen time for all under-16s and will include gaming. It is separate from a consultation that closed last month on banning social media for under-16s, restricting addictive design features, and improving support for parents.

In March the government issued earlier guidance stating that children under five should be limited to one hour of screen time per day and that under-twos should not watch screens alone. The government said long periods spent on screens alone can affect children's sleep and physical activity, which are key to their development.