Screen time refers to the time spent using devices with screens — phones, tablets, televisions, computers and games consoles. For children, it's a major topic of modern parenting, with the focus increasingly on the quality and balance of screen use rather than just the number of minutes.
Current UK guidance (including from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health) has moved away from one fixed daily limit, encouraging families instead to consider whether screen use is controlled, whether it displaces sleep, physical activity, family time and real-world play, and how the child is during and after it. Not all screen time is equal — a video call with grandparents or a creative app differs greatly from hours of passive scrolling.
Agreeing a clear, shared family plan tends to reduce daily conflict more than imposing rules in the moment. Our free screen time tracker helps you see the balance, and our guide to children and screen time goes further. This is general information; for specific concerns about a child's screen use or wellbeing, speak to your health visitor or GP.