LONDON — British authorities have issued new guidance for parents to help them manage children’s use of popular entertainment and digital media, saying the recommendations are intended to support healthier screen habits as families navigate an expanding range of online content and connected devices.
The guidance, published this month by the UK government, provides practical advice for parents of children aged 5 to 16 on topics including screen time, social media, sleep, and the use of digital entertainment. Officials said the recommendations are designed to give families evidence-based information rather than impose mandatory limits. The guidance follows broader government efforts to strengthen online safety measures for children.
The Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care said the recommendations respond to concerns raised by parents, educators, and health experts about the growing role of digital entertainment in children's daily lives. Ministers also said further work is planned on standards for technology used in schools, including tools incorporating artificial intelligence.
“Young people get huge benefits from technology – but despite wanting to spend less time on screens they tell me they find it hard to put their devices down,” Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said in a government statement. “Parents and adults alike want clear, trustworthy information and guidance on screen use.”
According to the government, the guidance encourages parents to establish consistent routines around device use, consider when children receive their first smartphone, and promote healthy habits related to sleep, learning, and family activities. Officials said the recommendations are intended to complement existing online safety policies rather than replace parental judgment.
Technology companies and education providers have also been involved in discussions on digital safety initiatives. The government said it plans to consult later this year on independent safety certification for certain technologies used in schools, including some generative artificial intelligence products, with the aim of giving schools greater confidence in the tools they adopt.
The publication comes as governments in several countries review policies affecting children's digital lives. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Communication and Digital earlier introduced implementing regulations under child online protection rules, while working with YouTube on a digital wellbeing guidebook for parents and educators, according to government statements. Officials said those measures are intended to help families make informed decisions about children's online activities and entertainment choices.
The new UK guidance is now available to parents, while officials said additional consultations on related technology standards are expected later this year.
