Medical advice on screen time for children

Today, for the first time, the UK’s Chief Medical Officers have published social media and screen time advice to encourage a balance between technology and other important activities, supporting healthy child development.

Key facts: 
  • While time spent online can be hugely beneficial for children and young people by encouraging social interaction, education, and providing easy access to support, it should not intrude on activities which are proven to support healthy child development such as exercise and quality sleep. 
  • The publication recommends next steps and advice for parents and carers, setting out actions that schools, industry and government should take to ensure children have a healthy balance with screen time. 
  • The Chief Medical Officers also highlight how technology companies have a duty of care, calling on them establish a voluntary code of conduct addressing how they safeguard children and young people on their sites. 

Why this matters: 

Technology can be a wonderful thing but too much time sitting down or using mobile devices can get in the way of important, healthy activities. This advice will support children to reap the benefits of screen time and protect them from harm

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