The acceptable amount of time preschoolers can spend on a phone has been named

The UK government has recommended limiting gadget use for children under five to one hour per day, and for children under two - virtually eliminating screen time altogether. The new recommendations are aimed at building healthy habits and reducing risks to child development. This was reported by The Guardian.

The initiative was prepared by an expert group led by Children's Commissioner Rachel de Souza and child health specialist Russell Viner. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the authorities intend to help parents navigate the "digital world," where children encounter screens from a very early age.

According to the recommendations, children aged two to five should "where possible limit screen time to one hour a day or less." What matters is not only the quantity but also the quality of content: parents are advised to avoid fast-paced social media-style videos and apps with artificial intelligence elements.

Particular attention is given to the format of interaction. Co-viewing and discussing content with a child is considered more beneficial for cognitive development than independent use of devices. Reading, board games, drawing, and conversation are suggested as alternatives.

It is also recommended to completely eliminate screens during mealtimes and before bedtime. Experts emphasize that excessive gadget use is linked to poorer sleep, reduced physical activity, and decreased face-to-face communication with parents.

According to government data, approximately 98% of children begin regularly using screens by the age of two. At the same time, children with the highest screen time more frequently exhibit speech development delays.

The report notes that restrictions should not be applied uniformly to all children: for example, for children with special educational needs who use assistive digital technologies, the approach should be flexible.

Experts also advise parents to pay attention to their own digital habits. Introducing "screen breaks" for the whole family can help foster a healthier environment.

As Vice President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Mike McKean emphasized, early childhood is a critically important period, and the excessive influence of the digital environment complicates the task for parents. The new recommendations are designed to help find a balance between technology and child development.