Writing in the Sunday Times<\/a><\/strong>, Ms Phillipson said: “Research shows that by age two, almost all children – around 98% – are watching screens such as mobiles, tablets, and TV every day, during a critical period for language development.”<\/p>\n Government research, released to coincide with the announcement, suggests that the use of screens, including mobile devices and televisions, is linked to poorer language development in the under-twos.<\/p>\n The survey of 4,758 parents showed that children with the highest screen time – around five hours a day – could say significantly fewer words than those at the other end of the scale, who watched for around 44 minutes.<\/p>\n Image: “Parents, teachers and nursery workers talk about children arriving at nursery and school and finding it harder to hold conversations, focus, or engage in learning,” Ms Phillipson added.<\/p>\n It is reported that the guidance is likely to suggest using screens as part of an activity like storytime or with educational games.<\/p>\n More on Bridget Phillipson<\/p>\n The guidance is also expected to be accompanied by lessons for parents on early years development, including speech and language.<\/p>\n Image: The topic of whether screentime – the amount of time spent daily using screen-based technology – is actually harmful for children is controversial.<\/p>\n In October, the Princess of Wales<\/a><\/strong> warned that smartphones and computer screens were creating “an epidemic of disconnection”<\/a><\/strong> within families.<\/p>\n And Peter Kyle<\/a><\/strong>, the then technology secretary, told Sky News in July he was considering a two-hour daily limit per social media platform for children<\/a> <\/strong>to tackle “compulsive” screen time, although the policy was never implemented.<\/p>\n In Australia, a law came into force in December to ban under-16s from having social media accounts. Although Sky News has shown that some young people are getting around the restrictions<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n It is an attempt to stamp out cyberbullying and online addiction, and several MPs have suggested the UK should copy the policy.<\/p>\n Read more from Sky News:![\"Pic:](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/skynews-screen-time-child-stock_7049061.jpg\")
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\n Pic: iStock<\/p>\n![\"Pic:](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/skynews-screentime-family-stock_7049063.jpg\")
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\n Pic: iStock<\/p>\n
End of cold spell in sight<\/a>
Pothole map of England<\/a>
Macclesfield’s FA Cup shock<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n