What's Happening?
The government in England is set to release its first official guidance on screen time for children under five, following research indicating that high screen time is linked to limited vocabulary in toddlers.
The study found that 98% of children under two engage with screens daily, with those exposed to around five hours of screen time showing significantly reduced vocabulary compared to those with less exposure. The guidance, expected in April, will be developed by a national working group led by Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza and Department for Education scientific adviser Professor Russell Viner. The initiative aims to provide parents with practical advice on managing screen time and suggest alternatives to screen-based activities.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it addresses growing concerns about the impact of screen time on early childhood development. With a high percentage of young children engaging with screens daily, the guidance seeks to mitigate potential negative effects on language acquisition and cognitive development. The initiative highlights the need for balanced screen use, emphasizing activities that promote learning through interaction, such as reading and play. This move could influence public policy and parental practices, potentially leading to improved educational outcomes and healthier developmental trajectories for children.
What's Next?
The working group will consult with parents, children, and early years practitioners to formulate the guidance. The terms of reference for their work are set to be published soon. As the guidance is developed, it may prompt further discussions on digital literacy and online safety for young children. The initiative could also lead to broader educational campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness of the developmental impacts of screen time.
