Arabic version: الحكومة البريطانية تطلق مبادرة توجيهية حول وقت الشاشة للأطفال

The UK government is set to issue its first-ever guidance on screen use for children. A three-week call for evidence has been launched to gather input that will inform this guidance, which is expected to be published in autumn. This initiative aims to assist parents of children aged five to 16 in managing screen time effectively.

According to BBC News, the guidance is anticipated to provide practical recommendations on the appropriate amount of screen time, the ideal age for a child’s first smartphone, and the role of technology in educational settings.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the need for parents to have “clear, practical support they can trust.” Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, noted that while technology can benefit young people, finding the right balance between screen time and other activities remains a challenge for families.

Dame Rachel, who co-chairs the call for evidence, highlighted that many teenagers express a desire for adults to help them reduce their screen time. She expressed optimism about the consultation, pointing out that there is a cross-party agreement on the negative impacts of excessive screen time for children.

This current call for evidence differs from a previous consultation that concluded last month, which focused on potential bans on social media for those under 16 and the need for better parental support. Earlier this year, the government advised that children under five should have no more than one hour of screen time daily, with children under two advised against watching screens alone. The government also noted that prolonged screen use can adversely affect children’s sleep and physical activity, both crucial for their development.