AOP welcomes new screen time guidance for young children

The government advice recommends less than an hour of screen time per day for children between the ages of two and five

2 min read

A child uses a tablet while sitting on the sofa

Getty/luza studios

02 April 2026

The AOP’s head of education has described new government screen time advice as a “vital step towards protecting young eyes.”

For children under two, the new guidance recommends avoiding screen time other than for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.

Less than an hour of screen time each day is advised for children between the ages of two and five, with screen time to be avoided during meal times and in the hour before bed.

AOP head of education and OT clinical editor, Dr Ian Beasley, noted that excessive screen use is linked to digital eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns.

He added that children who spend more time outdoors are at a lower risk of myopia.

“We strongly support measures that help children get off digital devices and get outside. This latest guidance is a vital step toward protecting young eyes and supporting healthier childhoods,” he said.

Beasley highlighted that the AOP has “two simple tips” to help parents and guardians support their child’s eye health.

“First, get them outdoors – regular outdoor play and exercise can help reduce a child’s risk of developing short-sightedness. Studies show two hours of outdoor activity a day is ideal. Second, book your child in for a sight test every two years, from the age of three, or more often if your optometrist recommends it,” he said.

The new guidance is underpinned by findings from an expert panel report led by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner, a paediatrician and expert in children’s health.

De Souza highlighted that children are growing up in a world where screens are everywhere.

“Young children need their parents to be confident in managing their screen use, but often it can be overwhelming for parents learning to navigate this,” de Souza said.

“My hope is that this guidance helps to cut through the conflicting advice available and prioritise children’s development and wellbeing, as well as their safety,” she emphasised.