Screens, Small Children and Finding the Right Balance
Screens are part of modern family life. They help us stay connected, they can support learning, and for many parents they are simply part of getting through busy days. At the same time, we know that the early years are precious. What children experience in their first five years lays the foundations for language, relationships, wellbeing and learning for life.
That’s why I welcome the government’s new practical, non judgemental guidance for parents on screen time for young children, which you can read in full here:
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/new-advice-for-parents-on-screen-time-for-young-children/
This guidance doesn’t pretend screens don’t exist, and it doesn’t blame parents. Instead, it focuses on something we talk about a lot across Empower Trust: balance, connection and intention.
Why the early years matter so much
By the age of five, children have already developed the majority of the skills they will rely on at school and beyond. Talking, listening, playing, being active, sharing stories and spending time with trusted adults all shape how children understand the world and their place in it.
What the guidance makes clear is that large amounts of unmanaged screen use can sometimes crowd out these vital experiences — not because screens are “bad”, but because time is finite. Every hour spent passively watching is an hour not spent talking, moving, imagining or resting.
This mirrors what we see in our nurseries and schools. Children thrive when they arrive ready to communicate, curious about the world and confident to engage with others.
What does the guidance actually say?
The advice is refreshingly clear and age appropriate:
- For children under two, screen time should be avoided where possible, other than for shared activities that support interaction — such as video calls with family members.
- For children aged two to five, families are encouraged to aim for no more than one hour of screen time a day, and less where they can. Screens are best kept out of mealtimes and avoided in the hour before bed to support sleep and routines.
- Quality matters as much as quantity. Slow paced, age appropriate content is better for young children than fastmoving, highly stimulating videos. Watching together, talking about what’s on screen and asking questions makes a real difference compared to children watching alone.
Importantly — and this really matters to us as a Trust — the guidance is clear that screen based assistive technology used to support children with SEND should not be treated in the same way. Inclusion and high expectations go hand in hand, and technology can be an important enabler for some children.
Small, realistic changes
One of the things I value most about this guidance is its realism. It doesn’t ask families to be perfect. Instead, it suggests small, manageable swaps that can build healthier habits over time, such as:
- Sharing a bedtime story instead of watching a programme before sleep
- Talking or playing simple games at mealtimes rather than using a device
- Creating screen free moments in the day that prioritise talk, play and connection
These aren’t about removing screens entirely — they’re about protecting the time young children need most.
A shared message between home and school
Across Empower Trust, we see ourselves as partners with families. When messages at home and school align, children benefit. This guidance supports what our early years teams already know: young children learn best through rich interaction, play, movement and relationships.
Screens can be part of that — but they should never replace it.
If you’d like to explore the guidance in more detail, including practical tips and examples, I’d encourage you to read it in full here:
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/new-advice-for-parents-on-screen-time-for-young-children/
As always, if families would like support or advice, our schools are here to help. We are strongest when we work together to give children the very best start in life.
By Sam Scott – Director of Education