It’s not always easy to tell if we’ve been spending too much time on our devices. Mobile phones, tablets, game consoles, TVs ... the list of devices that children and young people might have access to seems never-ending, and switching between them can be virtually seamless. However, too much time on a device could lead to certain problems and might be an indicator of an addictive habit. It’s important, therefore, that we try to educate youngsters to manage their screen time as much as possible and avoid becoming a ‘screen zombie’.

Children learn best through interacting with adults and the world around them. Use of screen time when a child is very young is linked to long-term difficulties with attention, communication, problem-solving and social skills

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends

• No screen time for children 0-2 years old
• Up to 1 hour of screen time a day for children 2-4 years old
• Whilst there are not any WHO guidelines for older children, general recommendations for Primary aged children are to limit screen time to 1-2 hours a day and no more than 2 hours a day at the weekend.

Read the ‘Screen Zombie’ guide, to find tips on a number of potential risks involving mental wellbeing, screen addiction and grooming and the ‘5-a-day’ advice from NHS England Mental Health to find out more information and tips.