In a world where screens have become ubiquitous and are integrated into our daily lives, many parents are left wondering: how much screen time is too much for toddlers and young children?
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Screens are everywhere, from TVs and tablets to the mobiles we carry in our pockets and for many families they’ve become part of everyday life.
Whether it’s a quick video while you make dinner or a favourite show on a rainy afternoon, screen time can sometimes feel like a helpful tool. But it’s also natural to wonder: how much is too much for toddlers and young children?
In the early years, children’s brains develop rapidly through play, movement and face-to-face connection and interactions so finding the right balance really matters.
Here at Busy Bees Nurseries, we’re proud to nurture early relationships through laughter, stories and play. We recognise that technology is an important part of modern life but it is important to strike a healthy balance between technology and togetherness?
In this article, we’ll explore what experts say about screen time, why quality matters as much as quantity, and how you can build healthy screen habits that work for your family.
What counts as screen time?
‘Screen time’ refers to any time your child spends in front of a screen — watching, playing or interacting. However, not all screen time is the same.
Research from Global EdTech suggests it can be grouped into four categories:
- passive
- social
- interactive
- meducational
Some screen-based activities can be meaningful and enriching, such as video calling grandparents or playing educational games together. Others like passive scrolling or having the TV on in the background do offer fewer opportunities for engagement and can distract from when a child could be learning through physical play.
Is screen time bad for toddlers and young children?
For children under two, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends to avoid screen time altogether (aside from video calls).
For older children, screen time isn’t automatically ‘bad’ – it depends on how it’s used.
What research consistently shows is that loving relationships and responsive caregiving in the early years are key to children’s emotional and cognitive development.
Findings from the Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth (ISEY) highlight that the brain develops most rapidly during the first five years of life. During this vital period, face-to-face interactions help build the neural connections that support learning, wellbeing and social development.
If screens start replacing these moments, young children may miss out on opportunities to develop important social and emotional skills.
daynurseries.co.uk carried out a poll of nursery workers and found nearly two-thirds thought excessive screen time was affecting children’s imaginations.
The survey found that fewer than half (48 per cent) of nursery workers said there were children at their nursery with imaginary friends.
A total of 72% felt there had a been a decline in the number of children having imaginary friends and 63% blamed screen for this decline in inventiveness.
It can be tempting to use screens to soothe or occupy toddlers and young children, but relying on them too often in this way can make it harder for children to learn to regulate their emotions. Gentle reassurance, play or shared stories are often far more effective in supporting emotional development.
When thinking about screen time, it can help to reflect on a few key questions:
- Is my child getting plenty of time for play, movement and face-to-face interaction?
- Am I using screen time as something we share or mainly as a distraction?
- Are we making space for screen-free moments, such as mealtimes or bedtime routines?
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What are the benefits of positive screen time?
Used thoughtfully, screen time can certainly support learning and creativity.
Educational programmes and apps can help develop language, early literacy and numeracy. Interactive games can build problem-solving skills, and video calls with loved ones can strengthen family bonds especially when relatives live far away.
The key is shared screen time. Watching, playing and exploring together turns digital experiences into opportunities for connection. When you talk about what’s on the screen, ask questions or join in, your child isn’t just consuming content, they’re learning with you and building relationships.
Internet safety for young children
As children begin exploring the digital world, it’s important to make sure the experience is safe.
Use parental controls on devices, choose age-appropriate apps and programmes, and keep screens in shared family spaces rather than bedrooms. For younger children, it’s best to explore online content together, so you can help them understand what they’re seeing and respond to questions as they arise.
At this age, your presence is the greatest protection and your guidance helps build healthy, confident digital habits for later childhood.
Recommended screen time by age
The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides guidance for healthy screen habits:
- Under 2 years: Avoid screen time altogether, except video calls with family and friends. Babies learn best through real-world interaction – your voice, touch and facial expressions.
- 2 to 5 years: Up to one hour per day of high-quality, age-appropriate content, ideally viewed with an adult.
- Over 5 years: No more than two hours per day, with supervision and regular screen-free breaks.
These aren’t strict rules, but helpful benchmarks. What matters most is ensuring screens don’t replace the time children need to move, play, explore and connect with others.
UK government is announcing screen time guidelines
In January 2026, the UK government released research showing that by the age of 2, around 98% of children are looking at screens such as mobiles, tablets and TV on a daily basis.
The study involving nearly 5,000 parents showed 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 a day.
In response, the government is planning in April 2026 to give parents of under 5s clear, practical guidance of how screen time can fit alongside everyday activities, such as talking, playing and reading together.
How to create healthy screen habits
Here are some practical ways to manage screen time while keeping connection at the heart of family life:
Be a role model
Children learn by watching you. Being mindful of your own screen use especially during meals and story time shows your child they have your full attention.
Protect key connection moments
Make mealtimes, playtime and bedtime ‘screen-free zones’. These shared moments are where language, empathy and emotional understanding grow.
Choose quality content
Select educational, age-appropriate apps and shows that encourage curiosity, creativity and interaction. Watch or play together when possible.
Set gentle limits
Simple routines or parental controls can help set expectations. For example, avoiding screens for an hour before bedtime supports better sleep and calmer evenings.
Offer screen-free alternatives
Screens should enhance family life, not replace it. Prioritise outdoor play, messy fun and reading together to support imagination and learning.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to ban screens – it’s to balance them.
There isn’t one definitive answer to screen time for every child. Instead, it’s about understanding the many factors involved and making thoughtful, informed choices based on your child’s individual needs.
FAQs
What counts as screen time for young children?
Screen time includes any time your child spends in front of a screen, whether they’re watching, playing or interacting. This could be TV, tablets, phones or computers. It’s also helpful to remember that not all screen time is the same: some is educational or interactive (like video calling family or playing a learning game), while other types are more passive (like background TV), which offer less opportunity for connection.
Is screen time bad for toddlers and young children?
Screen time isn’t automatically “bad,” but it does depend on your child’s age and how it’s used. For children under two, it’s recommended to avoid screen time (except video calls). For older children, screens can be a useful tool but they shouldn’t replace the things young children need most, such as face-to-face interaction, play, movement and shared moments with caregivers, which support healthy brain development and emotional wellbeing.
How can I create healthy screen time habits at home?
Healthy screen habits are all about balance. Try choosing high-quality, age-appropriate content and, where possible, use screens together so it becomes a shared experience. You can also protect important “connection moments” by keeping mealtimes, playtime and bedtime screen-free. Setting gentle limits, offering screen-free alternatives and modelling mindful screen use yourself can all help your child develop a healthy relationship with technology.
