New guidance is anticipated for parents regarding screen-time recommendations for children under five years old due to concerns about increased usage by young individuals.
Bridget Phillipson is reportedly engaging with England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty to discuss the use of social media by children and adolescents. The Education Secretary is reviewing the existing advice on screen time, last updated in 2019.
The current recommendations suggest that children should keep phones out of their bedrooms before bedtime, have screen-free meal times, and take breaks after screen use. An updated version of the guidance is expected to be released early next year, focusing on advice for parents of children under five.
Government officials acknowledge the challenges in balancing parental autonomy with the need for guidance. Concerns exist that parents may not be aware of the available advice.
According to an Ofcom report in May, nearly one-fifth (19%) of three to five-year-olds own a mobile phone, and 63% use a tablet for internet access. Additionally, around 37% engage in social media platforms like YouTube, with 19% of parents allowing unsupervised use of such apps by their children.
Last year, the Commons’ Education Committee highlighted the need for clear guidance on managing screen time for parents. MPs emphasized the importance of revising advice for parents of infants and young children to prioritize face-to-face interaction and highlight the risks of excessive screen time.
Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman, welcomed the initiative but called for stronger action against technology companies. She stressed the necessity of empowering parents by addressing the addictive nature of social media through a comprehensive public health approach.
Bridget Phillipson has been collaborating with Technology Secretary Liz Kendall to explore additional measures to safeguard children online. Kendall has proposed potential restrictions on app usage or a ban on social media during school hours as part of efforts to enhance online safety.
Ofcom’s new children’s code, which came into effect in July, requires social media companies to address harmful algorithms, expedite the removal of harmful content, and implement robust age verification procedures. This guidance aids tech firms in complying with the regulations outlined in the UK’s Online Safety Act.
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