PRESS RELEASE- New guidance on screen use for children aged 5–16

Parents and carers will soon have access to clear, practical guidance to help them navigate children’s screen use, including support around decisions such as when a child may be ready for their first smartphone.

Alongside this, the government is taking steps to strengthen the safe and effective use of technology in education. The aim is to help children benefit from digital innovation while providing parents, carers and education professionals with confidence that technology used in schools is evidence-based, appropriate and supports positive outcomes for children.

From social media and online content to sleep, wellbeing and learning, digital technology presents opportunities and challenges that previous generations did not experience in the same way. New guidance for parents and carers of children aged 5–16 will provide practical, evidence-informed advice to support healthy and balanced screen use.

To help shape this guidance, the government has launched a three-week call for evidence. The guidance, due to be published this autumn, will be informed by an independent expert group co-chaired by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner.

The consultation will also gather views on the role of technology and screen use within schools, recognising that children’s digital experiences span both home and education settings. The evidence collected will help inform both the new guidance and wider work to ensure technology supports learning, enhances educational outcomes and safeguards children’s wellbeing.

Technology is now an established part of many children’s lives and, when used appropriately, can offer significant benefits. These include supporting learning, creativity, communication and accessibility, particularly for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The guidance will therefore focus on helping families make informed decisions rather than applying one-size-fits-all approaches.

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:

“Parents and carers are navigating challenges that are new and complex, and they deserve clear, practical guidance they can trust.

“When used safely and effectively, technology can create opportunities for children and young people, including those with SEND. It can support personalised learning and help more children achieve their potential.

“Our aim is to ensure children can benefit from the opportunities technology offers while protecting what matters most: their learning, wellbeing and childhood.”

Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said:

“We want every child to grow up healthy, happy and able to thrive.

“Providing parents and carers with clear information and practical support can help families establish healthy digital habits and make informed choices in an increasingly connected world.”

The new guidance builds on existing measures designed to support children online, including the Online Safety Act, guidance for parents of children under five, and wider work exploring approaches such as app restrictions, time limits and other measures to support healthy screen use.

More than 110,000 responses were received as part of the government’s recent consultation, including contributions from parents, carers and children. A response to the consultation is expected in due course.

Recent polling suggests strong support for guidance on screen use for younger children, with many parents reporting that it has helped them make positive changes to family routines and digital habits.

Research also highlights the complexity of the issue. While most parents recognise the benefits of children being online, many continue to express concerns about the risks associated with social media, messaging platforms and video-sharing services.

Alongside the guidance, the government is working with the Children’s Commissioner to establish a new AI Youth Advisory Board, giving young people an opportunity to share their perspectives on how emerging technologies affect their lives.

Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, said:

“Children and young people tell me that technology brings many benefits, but they also recognise the challenges of managing the amount of time they spend online.

“Parents and carers often tell me they want to support their children but are unsure where the right balance lies.

“There is a clear need for trusted information, practical guidance and continued action to address harmful content and online risks. I look forward to working with the expert group to ensure that future guidance reflects both the evidence and the lived experiences of children and families.”

Later this year, the government will consult on proposals for independent safety certification for some technologies used in schools, including generative AI tools and filtering and monitoring systems.

In addition, work is underway to develop a framework outlining what safe, effective and high-quality technology products should look like in educational settings. The government is also working with schools and technology providers to develop AI-enabled tools that could expand access to tutoring and learning support for disadvantaged pupils.

These measures are intended to help schools make informed decisions about the technology they use, ensuring products meet clear standards for safety, quality and effectiveness, while allowing educators to focus on supporting children’s learning and development.

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