# Screen time and apps: what the UK guidance says

> The government's first screen-time guidance for under-5s, published in March 2026 for families in England, says under 2s should avoid screens except shared activities such as video calls, and 2 to 5 year olds should have an hour a day or less. The expert report behind it says these limits do not apply to assistive technology, such as communication aids, for children with SEND. Research does not show that screens cause autism.

- Canonical page: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/screen-time-and-apps
- Publisher: Rocks Make Pebbles (https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk)
- Topic: Everyday life
- Applies to: UK
- Last updated: 28 September 2026. Checked against sources: 28 September 2026
- Professional review: Not yet reviewed (waiting for review by a paediatrician and speech and language therapist)
- Drafted with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources listed below. Editorial policy: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/editorial-policy

## Key points

- Under 2s: avoid screens except shared activities, such as video calls with family or looking at photos together.
- Ages 2 to 5: an hour a day or less, ideally in chunks of 30 minutes or less, watched together.
- Keep screens away from mealtimes, bedrooms and the hour before bed.
- The limits do not apply to screen-based assistive technology, such as communication aids, for children with SEND.
- Research does not show that screens cause autism.
- Choose apps with high privacy settings, no adverts or purchases, and a pause that keeps your child's progress.

## What does the UK guidance say about screen time for under-5s?

On 27 March 2026 the government published its first official guidance on screen use for children under 5 ([Education Business](https://educationbusinessuk.net/news/27032026/government-issues-first-screen-time-guidance-under-5s)). It sits on the Best Start in Life website ([DHSC](https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk/campaigns/best-start-in-life/best-start-in-life-screen-time)) and draws on a report by an expert group set up by the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care, which says it supports guidance "to parents and carers in England" ([EYSTAG report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf)).

This is what the guidance and the report recommend ([Best Start in Life](https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s); [EYSTAG report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf)):

| Age | What the guidance says |
|---|---|
| Under 2 | Avoid screens, except shared family activities such as video calls or looking at photos together |
| 2 to 5 | Up to 1 hour a day, less if possible, ideally in chunks of 30 minutes or less |
| All under-5s | No screens at mealtimes, in bedrooms, in the hour before bed or on in the background |

The guidance also suggests watching together, choosing slow-paced, predictable content, using parental controls, avoiding social media, and not letting young children use AI toys, tools or chatbots until there is more evidence ([Best Start in Life](https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s)). The expert report adds: "Keep solo screen use to a minimum."

The report says the evidence is "emerging and often of low-quality" and "findings are mixed", so where evidence was lacking the group "took a precautionary approach" ([EYSTAG report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf)). In other words, the hour a day is a cautious guide, not a limit proven by research.

## Does a communication app count as screen time?

No. The expert report says its limits "do not apply to screen-based assistive technologies for children with SEND". It says these can improve some children's quality of life, "for example by helping with mobility and communication" ([EYSTAG report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf)). It names [augmentative and alternative communication](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#aac) (AAC), and says parents should "not remove access to beneficial screen technology due to concerns about time on screens".

Other screen use still counts. The report says the under-5 limits should also apply to "non-assistive and non-specialist screen use" by children with [SEND](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#send). The Best Start in Life page adds that children who use assistive technology still need protected time for play, sleep and time with the people who care for them ([Best Start in Life](https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s)).

The report does not list every kind of app, so here is a reasonable way to sort them:

- **Usually a tool:** a communication board your child uses to tell you things, or a visual timetable that helps them get through the day.
- **Usually counts:** cartoons, videos and games, including learning games.
- **Not covered:** calming apps. The report says screens can give children and parents "a period of much needed respite", but it does not say whether calming apps count.

## How much screen time is OK for older children?

The 2026 guidance only covers under-5s. For older children, look to the 2019 advice from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the UK's professional body for children's doctors. It says "evidence is weak for a threshold" and that it is "unable to recommend a cut-off for children's screen time overall" ([RCPCH](https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/health-impacts-screen-time-guide-clinicians-parents)). Instead, it suggests agreeing limits that fit your child, based on whether screens push out physical activity, time with other people and sleep. It also advises avoiding screens for an hour before bedtime.

> **Try this:** The RCPCH suggests four questions. Is screen time in your household controlled? Does screen use interfere with what your family want to do? Does screen use interfere with sleep? Are you able to control snacking during screen time? It says families happy with their answers are likely to be doing as well as they can.

## Does screen time cause autism?

Research does not show that screens cause autism. A 2023 review of 46 studies, covering 562,131 people, found a link at first. It became small and was no longer significant once the authors corrected for publication bias, which is when studies that find a link are more likely to be published ([Ophir et al. 2023](https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46775)). They concluded that the link "is not sufficiently supported". Most of the studies (41 of 46) measured screen use and autism at the same time, so they cannot show which came first. The authors say they cannot rule out that autistic children are drawn to screens, for example to avoid social challenges.

A 2026 review of 30 studies did report a link between screen time in the preschool years and autism, but rated the evidence for its conclusions as "very low" ([Yuan et al. 2026](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/39627647)). The government's 2026 expert report on screens does not mention autism at all; it discusses SEND and neurodivergence in general ([EYSTAG report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf)).

> **Myth:** "Too much screen time caused my child's autism." Research does not support this. Autistic children may be drawn to screens, rather than screens causing autism. Please do not blame yourself.

> **Myth:** "It's virtual autism, and it will go away without screens." "Virtual autism" is a phrase used online for autism-like signs blamed on screens. It is not a term the government's screen-time report uses, and research does not show that screens cause autism. If you are worried about your child's development, talk to your GP or health visitor.

> **Get help now:** If your child has [lost words, social skills or movement skills](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#regression) they used to have, see your GP or health visitor promptly. NICE says children under 3 who lose language or social skills should be referred to the autism team, and older children who lose language, or children of any age who lose movement skills, to a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist ([NICE CG128](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128/chapter/Recommendations)).

## How can we use screens together?

Using a screen with your child and talking about it is often called co-viewing, or joint media engagement ([Takeuchi and Stevens 2011](https://joanganzcooneycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/jgc_coviewing_desktop.pdf)). The expert report says co-viewing, with talking, responding, asking questions and taking turns, "improves language and thinking skills" ([EYSTAG report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf)).

1. **Sit together and comment.** Talk about what your child is watching or playing, using a few simple words.
2. **Pause and wait.** Give your child time to point, sign, make a sound or say something before you carry on.
3. **Take it off the screen.** Afterwards, act out the story with toys, or find the real bus, dog or song.
4. **Choose calm content.** The report suggests content that focuses on faces, with little movement, simple backgrounds and repetition. It advises avoiding quick-moving short videos, rapid speech and several characters talking at once.
5. **End the same way each time.** Give a warning, then show a picture of what comes next. A [Now and Next board](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/now-and-next-board) can help, and our guide to [transitions](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/transitions-and-change) has more ideas.

## How do I choose a safe app for a young child?

Start with the law. The ICO Children's Code applies to apps, games and connected toys that children are likely to use, even if children are not the main audience ([ICO](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/childrens-information/childrens-code-guidance-and-resources/introduction-to-the-childrens-code/)). Its 15 standards include high privacy settings by default, collecting as little data as possible, location switched off by default and no nudges towards weaker privacy ([ICO](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/childrens-information/childrens-code-guidance-and-resources/age-appropriate-design-a-code-of-practice-for-online-services/code-standards/)). It also suggests pause buttons that let children "take a break at any time without losing their progress in a game" ([ICO](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/childrens-information/childrens-code-guidance-and-resources/age-appropriate-design-a-code-of-practice-for-online-services/5-detrimental-use-of-data/)).

Many apps for young children are designed to keep them playing. In a study of the apps used most by 160 children aged 3 to 5, about 45% used attractive lures and 46% used navigation tricks to prolong play, 25% used pressure from characters and 17% used time pressure ([Radesky et al. 2022](https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.17641)). The expert report also warns that young children can come across apps or adverts "that aren't meant for children", and features such as chat tools or live video that expose them to people they do not know ([EYSTAG report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf)).

| Good signs | Red flags |
|---|---|
| High privacy settings by default, in line with the ICO Children's Code | Asks for location, contacts or photos without a clear reason |
| No adverts, and no purchases your child can make | Adverts, pop-ups or buy buttons your child can reach |
| Works offline, so it keeps working without signal | Needs an account or a constant internet connection to work at all |
| A clear, plain-English privacy notice | No privacy notice, or one you cannot understand |
| Your child can pause or stop at any time without losing progress | Streaks, lives, countdowns or characters that pressure your child to keep going |
| Honest about what it does and whether it has been tested | Promises to treat autism, stop meltdowns or make your child talk |
| No chat, social feeds or AI chatbots | Chat with strangers, social features or AI chatbots |

Be wary of big promises. In December 2025 the Advertising Standards Authority banned supplement ads that people could take to mean the product treats autism, including one promising "Fewer meltdowns" ([Marketing Beat](https://www.marketing-beat.co.uk/2025/12/10/asa-autism-adhd-rulings/)). ORCHA, an independent organisation that assesses digital health products, has a free public tool to check whether an app has been assessed ([ORCHA](https://orchahealth.com/)).

## Where can I get more help?

These people and organisations can help with communication aids, screen habits and the cost of equipment:

- **A [speech and language therapist](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#speech-and-language-therapist)** if you think your child could use a communication aid. Communication Matters says "contacting your SLT team is generally the place to start. If you do not have an NHS SLT, ask your GP for a referral to one" ([Communication Matters](https://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/what-is-aac/assessment/)). See our guide to [signing, pictures and AAC apps](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/aac-signing-and-picture-communication).
- **Your health visitor or GP** for worries about development, sleep or screen habits. Our [sleep guide](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/sleep) covers bedtime routines.
- **[Family Fund](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#family-fund)** gives grants to families on a low income raising a disabled or seriously ill child ([Family Fund](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/eligibility)). Computers and tablets are among the things families can apply for ([Family Fund](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/what-can-i-use-the-grant-for/)). In England, from 24 September 2026 until the end of March 2027, its Support for Families with Disabled Children programme is open only to families applying for the first time ([Family Fund](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/eligibility)).
- **Our guide to [autism therapies and support](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/autism-therapies-and-support)** explains how to judge products and approaches that make big promises.

> **Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:** The March 2026 guidance was written for England, and the expert report notes that health and education policy is devolved. The RCPCH advice and the ICO Children's Code apply across the UK.

## Where our app, Pebble, fits

Pebble's short games are ordinary screen time, so a grown-up sets a daily limit for them (30 minutes by default). That limit leaves out the Talk picture-and-voice board, My day planner and calm tools, and Pebble has no adverts, purchases or accounts. Paper picture boards and timetables work too, with no screen at all.

Pebble by Rocks Make Pebbles is our free app for autistic children, used together with a grown-up. This guide is written to be useful without it. More: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/pebble

## Questions parents ask

### Does screen time cause autism?

Research does not show that it does. A 2023 review of 46 studies found a link between screen time and autism at first, but it became small and was no longer significant once the authors allowed for studies that find a link being more likely to be published. Most of the studies measured screens and autism at the same time, so they cannot show which came first. Autistic children may simply be more drawn to screens.

### Is virtual autism real?

Virtual autism is a phrase used online for autism-like signs that some people blame on heavy screen use in early childhood. It is not a term used in the government's 2026 screen-time report, which does not mention autism at all, and research does not show that screens cause autism. Fewer background screens and more talking and playing together is good advice for any young child. If you are worried about your child's development, talk to your GP or health visitor, and see them promptly if your child has lost words or skills they used to have.

### Does my child's talking app count as screen time?

Not under the 2026 guidance for under-5s in England. The expert report behind it says the limits do not apply to screen-based assistive technology for children with SEND, and it names augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It says parents should not take away helpful assistive technology because of worries about screen time. Games, videos and other screen use still count, and your child still needs plenty of time for play, sleep and being with you.

### How much screen time is OK for my 3 year old?

The 2026 guidance for England suggests an hour a day or less for children aged 2 to 5. The expert report behind it suggests short chunks of 30 minutes or less, as little solo screen use as possible, and no screens at mealtimes, in bedrooms or in the hour before bed. Watching together and talking about what you see is better than your child watching alone. Communication aids used by children with SEND do not count towards the hour.

### The tablet is the only thing that calms my child when we're out. Is that harmful?

Not necessarily. The government's expert report recognises that screens can give children and parents a much-needed break. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health focuses on whether screens push out sleep, activity and time with other people. Short, planned use in a hard moment is different from screens filling most of the day. It helps to build up other calming options too, such as ear defenders, a comfort object or a quiet space.

### Is an iPad bad for my autistic child?

Not in itself. What matters is how it is used. For 2 to 5 year olds, the 2026 guidance in England suggests an hour a day or less, as a precaution. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health found no evidence-based cut-off for children's screen time and suggests checking whether screens get in the way of family life, sleep or activity. If the iPad is your child's communication aid, keep it available. For games and videos, choose calm content and watch together when you can.

## Sources

1. [Government issues first screen time guidance for under-5s](https://educationbusinessuk.net/news/27032026/government-issues-first-screen-time-guidance-under-5s), Education Business, 27 March 2026
2. [Best Start in Life: screen time campaign resources](https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk/campaigns/best-start-in-life/best-start-in-life-screen-time), Department of Health and Social Care, 27 March 2026
3. [Screen time for under 5s](https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s), Best Start in Life (GOV.UK), 29 June 2026
4. [Early Years Screen Time Advisory Group report](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c53daf4a06660f085442a7/EYSTAG_report.pdf), Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care, March 2026
5. [The health impacts of screen time: a guide for clinicians and parents](https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/health-impacts-screen-time-guide-clinicians-parents), Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, January 2019
6. [Screen time and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Ophir et al.)](https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46775), JAMA Network Open, 2023
7. [Screen exposure and autism: a systematic review (Yuan et al.)](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/39627647), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (via Europe PMC), 2026
8. [Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis (CG128), recommendations](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128/chapter/Recommendations), NICE, 2011
9. [The new coviewing: designing for learning through joint media engagement (Takeuchi and Stevens)](https://joanganzcooneycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/jgc_coviewing_desktop.pdf), Joan Ganz Cooney Center and LIFE Center, 2011
10. [Introduction to the Children's code](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/childrens-information/childrens-code-guidance-and-resources/introduction-to-the-childrens-code/), Information Commissioner's Office
11. [Age appropriate design code (Children's code): code standards](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/childrens-information/childrens-code-guidance-and-resources/age-appropriate-design-a-code-of-practice-for-online-services/code-standards/), Information Commissioner's Office
12. [Children's code standard 5: detrimental use of data](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/childrens-information/childrens-code-guidance-and-resources/age-appropriate-design-a-code-of-practice-for-online-services/5-detrimental-use-of-data/), Information Commissioner's Office
13. [Prevalence and characteristics of manipulative design in mobile applications used by children (Radesky et al.)](https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.17641), JAMA Network Open, 2022
14. [ASA bans ads claiming supplements treat autism and ADHD](https://www.marketing-beat.co.uk/2025/12/10/asa-autism-adhd-rulings/), Marketing Beat, 10 December 2025
15. [ORCHA: digital health assessment](https://orchahealth.com/), ORCHA
16. [AAC assessment](https://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/what-is-aac/assessment/), Communication Matters
17. [Are we eligible?](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/eligibility), Family Fund
18. [What can I use the grant for?](https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/what-can-i-use-the-grant-for/), Family Fund

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General information for families in the UK, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your child's health, contact your GP or call NHS 111 (in Northern Ireland, your GP out of hours service). In an emergency, call 999.