The short answer
UK advice is to avoid screen time under age 2 except shared activities such as video calls; from age 2 to 5, aim for no more than 1 hour a day, less if possible. Share screen activities and protect time for sleep, play, meals, and conversation.
In this guide · 11 sections
Keep in mind
- Avoid screen time under age 2 apart from shared activities such as video calls.
- From age 2 to 5, try to keep screen use to no more than 1 hour a day, less if possible.
- Keep screens from replacing sleep, active play, meals, and back-and-forth conversation.
Is screen use completely off-limits at 19–24 months?
UK advice changes at the second birthday.
For children under 2, current government guidance says to avoid screen time apart from shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction, and conversation, such as a video call.
From age 2 to 5, try to keep screen use to no more than 1 hour a day, and less if possible.
Why is watching together important?
Young toddlers learn through responsive interaction. Sitting with your child lets you name what is happening, answer a question, or connect a screen idea to real life.
Choose content that is age-appropriate and calm, and stop if it upsets your child or is hard to follow.
A screen should not be used as a regular substitute for adult interaction or as the only way to settle your child.
Does a video call count as screen use?
A video call still uses a screen, but it is an interactive shared activity that can support bonding and conversation.
Stay with your child, talk with the person on the call, and keep the exchange short and engaging.
Current UK guidance allows shared activities such as video calls for children under 2.
What content may be more suitable?
For children aged 2 to 5 who use screens, UK guidance recommends age-appropriate, slow-paced, predictable content with simple stories and clear speech.
Avoid fast-changing clips and autoplay where possible; keep the screen activity shared so you can talk about it.
For children under 2, follow the advice to avoid screens apart from shared activities that encourage interaction.
What should screen time not replace?
Protect time for sleep, active play, outdoor movement, meals, books, and conversation.
Try screen-free meals and avoid screens in the hour before bedtime, especially if they make settling harder.
Background television can interrupt play and conversation even when your child is not watching directly.
Should I use a screen during a tantrum?
A screen may sometimes distract a child, but relying on it every time can make it harder to practise other ways of calming and connecting.
First check whether your toddler is tired, hungry, uncomfortable, or overwhelmed. Stay nearby and offer comfort or a simple alternative.
If you do use a screen, make a calm transition plan and turn it off when your child is settled enough to move on.
Does background TV matter?
A television or video playing in the background can distract from conversation, play, or mealtimes even if your toddler seems focused elsewhere.
Turn off screens when nobody is watching and choose music or quiet conversation if you want background sound.
Adults’ device use can also interrupt shared attention, so try setting your own phone aside during play.
What can I do today?
Check the current guidance for your child’s age and where you live, especially around the second birthday.
If you choose a screen activity, sit together, choose something age-appropriate, and talk about it.
Try one screen-free meal, play period, or bedtime routine.
Notice whether screen use is affecting sleep, movement, conversation, or family routines.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Seek advice if screen use is regularly disrupting sleep, play, communication, family routines, or your child’s wellbeing.
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Helping Kids Thrive in a Digital World: AAP Policy Explained
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Kids & Screen Time: The 5 C's Questions to Ask for Toddlers
- www.cdc.gov — regional guidance
- www.healthychildren.org — regional guidance
- www.gov.uk — regional guidance
- beststartinlife.gov.uk — regional guidance
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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