Kids and Screens: A New Playtime Plan

New Guidance:

• Babies (<2 yrs): No screens at all.
• Toddlers (2–5 yrs): Max 1 hour of solo screen time per day.

The aim is to curb sleep disruption and encourage active play.

Global Moves

Inside Britain

• Scope: Tablets, TVs, laptops, phones.
• Rules: Screens out of meals & one hour before bedtime.
• Parental Role: Pick slow‑paced, age‑appropriate shows; co‑watch to aid language & social skills.
• Prime Minister’s Note: The government won’t leave families to figure this out alone.

Survey Snapshot

• 25 % of parents with 3–5‑year‑olds struggle to manage screen time.
• 98 % of 2‑year‑olds use screens daily.

Expert Panel Insights

• Warnings: Fast‑moving social media clips & certain AI toys.
• Exceptions: Screen tools for children with special educational needs should not be automatically restricted.
• Future Plans: Minimum age limits for social media & AI chatbot restrictions.

Legal Development

• LA Jury Ruling: Meta and Google found negligent for features that harmed a young user.
• Implication: Potential precedent affecting similar U.S. lawsuits.