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These practical resources have been developed by the Children's Occupational Therapy team to support families, carers and education settings in developing healthy digital habits and supporting children's regulation.

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These practical resources have been developed by the Children's Occupational Therapy team to support families, carers and education settings in developing healthy digital habits and supporting children's regulation.

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Guidance on sleep, routines and healthy digital habits.

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Guidance on sleep, routines and healthy digital habits.

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Helping families recognise when screen habits may be affecting sleep, behaviour or attention

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Helping families recognise when screen habits may be affecting sleep, behaviour or attention

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Avoid screens during the hour before bedtime.

Instead, aim for 20–30 minutes of calming activities, such as:

bath or shower

reading together

quiet drawing or colouring

listening to a story

Consistent calming routines help prepare the brain for sleep.

It can take time for children to adjust when screen use is reduced. Initially children may request screens more often, but introducing consistent alternatives helps them gradually develop other ways to regulate their emotions and energy levels.

Over time, these activities can support improvements in:

emotional regulation

attention and concentration

sleep

participation in daily routines

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National advice and research about children’s screen use.

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National advice and research about children’s screen use.

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Signs that screen use may be affecting your child

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Signs that screen use may be affecting your child

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Many children enjoy screens, and this is completely normal. However, if screen use begins to dominate a child’s routine, you might start to notice some of the following patterns.

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1. Connect with your kids by sparking conversation about what they're watching

Children are curious creatures but sometimes need a little nudge from us to get chatting about their interests. While this generation of parents is more digitally engaged than ever, a lot of screen time happens without us looking over their shoulders. Asking open-ended questions about what children are consuming can spark interesting conversation while enhancing their cognitive and communication skills. Questions strengthen how children can actively consolidate knowledge, rather than consuming content passively. Getting kids to think about what they're consuming on screens encourages them to stay curious, see the bigger picture and develop their critical thinking. Sharing content together also provides easy conversation starters. Joint co-viewing experiences are great contexts to boost learning and bonds between parent and children.

Open-ended questions are a wonderful way to stretch children's curiosity, reasoning ability, creativity and independence. When watching educational content on the BBC, children can reinforce their learning with your help. Open-ended language about their favourite interesting shows could include;

● "Tell me about... what the Octonauts found...."
● "Why do you think... the Stegosaurus has a spiky tail? "
● "How can we... help David Attenborough protect the Earth?"

By prompting conversation together about what's on kids' screens, you can both connect by exploring the bigger picture and take the chat to some interesting places!

2. Use screen-time as a tool to navigate large, difficult conversations

Screen time is not only a great way to prompt conversation with your kids, it is also a fantastic tool to use for introducing difficult topics and navigating conversation around them. Sometimes we struggle to find the words or examples ourselves to broach hard and necessary subject matters with children. From matters such as dealing with a new family member, moving to a different home, school or country and difficult emotions or loss. These subjects can be approached safely by engaging first with content which explores the specific theme. Searching for content on a reliable site such as BBC iPlayer, CBeebies and CBBC provides easily accessible and catered resources which address the issue. Find what you are looking for first and then go to your child with the content and a rough idea of questions you can ask them about it. Using open-ended style questions will keep the communication open and flexible for your child to express themselves. Children learn best through scaffolding of information. Watch, then talk about the content first: what the characters are doing, what happened, how they felt etc. Then relate the content to what your child may be experiencing, asking if they are experiencing something similar and how they feel about it. The shows will have specific examples for you to refer back to, ensuring understanding and an open line of communication between you and your child.

4. Use screen-time regularly and moderately to help kids develop a healthy routine

We know that a regular routine is key for children's healthy sleep, neurological and physical development. What we consume and when is also a key part of our routine. Content that is selected for a certain time of day and integrated into regular routines, can help children regulate their natural rhythm better. Setting an allotted time for regular screen-time in moderation can help contribute to a healthy routine. This can also be part of how you integrate limits around screen time use. After-school TV programming, playing games or apps allow kids to unwind during a key transition period of the day. By taking time to have child-appropriate entertainment, this lets children reset and get ready for evening activities such as tea-time, extra-curricular clubs and homework. Another key time of day that can often be tricky for us to settle children is bedtime. Specific bedtimes with some pre-bedtime specific content can help when children won't settle. The BBC provides specifically designed content, such as In The Night Garden which was developed by sleep specialists to help calm children for bedtime.

5. Find content that has your kid's best interests at heart

Passive screen time with repetitive content is not the best brain food, but feeling comfortable with what your kids consume on screens becomes a lot easier when it's been designed with children's development in mind. Particularly if your little one needs additional help, making sure content sources have specialist credentials means the content can be trusted and in line with key child development milestones. There's a plethora of content on BBC that has been designed by specialists and experts in child development so that you can take a step back and feel reassured by the quality of your child's screen time. For example, Yakka Dee was designed by Speech & Language experts and Love Monster was developed by child psychologists to help children process emotions. Screen time can also provide practical information, to help children prepare for unknown experiences, such as learning about medical emergencies with Operation Ouch! By engaging with content first, this can help reduce children's anxiety and stress when faced with the real thing e.g a medical emergency, starting school, going to the doctor's / hospital.

With the BBC, there's always something for the adults too. The BBC and CBeebies websites have a ton of advice on making positive screen time choices and helping children make the most out of engaging with safe screen time and getting the most from their content.

6. Pick playful, digital learning resources

There is increasing evidence on how important play is to maximise our learning and developmental potential. Digital play is now recognised as its own classification of play which can provide a host of benefits such as strong language, problem-solving and even social skills. Children can now learn through play in ways previously impossible before technology. Credible apps and games are fantastic sources for kids to learn while having fun. When we introduce playfulness into educational contexts, studies have found that we actually learn better! BBC Education provides a variety of fun and educational games in line with the UK curriculum. With BBC Bitesize there is fun content for every subject. The CBeebies app and website have fantastic games which are tailored for families to enjoy and to develop children's specific skills, such as learning, bonding, self-expression and discovery.

When produced well, digital play can provide excellent developmental benefits. We all learn differently and technology provides the opportunity to have educational fun for children who would find traditional classroom settings tricky or who need to supplement their learning at home. Research has demonstrated that digital play such as maths games and apps can even help with the engagement and comprehension of reluctant learners. Games and apps could therefore be particularly helpful for children whose learning has been affected by home circumstances, the pandemic and those with additional needs.

10. Find content with positive, diverse and inclusive representation to help all children feel understood and succeed

Studies have shown that diverse and inclusive representation in the media for children plays an important role in their development, growth and positive self-image. Children model themselves based on the people they see around them. We all idolise certain figures as children, fictional or real, which drives our external motivation. If children don't see those who look like them in inspiring roles, they will struggle to emulate and relate to an aspirational role model. On the other hand, if children aren't used to seeing people who are in different circumstances, they'll struggle to develop empathy for them. The BBC holds itself to high standards, representing diverse and inclusive communities across its services and content for children, such as JoJo & Gran Gran or The Dumping Ground. On CBBC, children can watch the documentary series My Life which explores the highs and lows of children across the world, such as Ukraine refugees, children with additional needs or those following their passions and dreams. Exploring other children's unique stories gives children the opportunity to grow compassion and understanding for others.

Watching positive role models or talking about how their favourite characters behave can help children think about and develop positive behaviours. Watching a show such as Hey Duggee, can help children learn how to share and develop empathy skills. By seeing others do important work or acting out scenarios such as helping others, children can learn positive values and life lessons.

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Child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer shares her top ten tips for using screens and how they can be a powerful tool for children and families.

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Emotional meltdowns when screens are stopped

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Emotional meltdowns when screens are stopped

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Children may become very upset or dysregulated when devices are turned off or taken away. This might include crying, anger, shouting or difficulty calming down.

Screens can sometimes provide fast and highly stimulating content, which can make it harder for children to transition back to everyday activities.

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Some children begin asking for screens frequently throughout the day. Parents may feel that screens have become the main activity their child wants to do.

When this happens, children may become less interested in other forms of play or interaction.

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Screen use, particularly in the evening, can interfere with sleep routines. Light from screens and stimulating content can make it harder for children to settle and fall asleep.

Children who use screens close to bedtime may experience:

difficulty settling

later bedtimes

disrupted sleep

tiredness during the day

Sleep difficulties can also contribute to challenges with attention, mood and behaviour.

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Play is essential for children’s development. Through play, children develop motor skills, imagination, problem-solving abilities and social understanding.

If screens begin replacing play, children may show less interest in toys, outdoor activities, drawing, building or imaginative games.

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Children who spend long periods on fast-paced digital content may find it harder to focus on slower activities such as school work, play tasks or listening to instructions.

Parents or teachers may notice that a child becomes easily distracted or struggles to stay engaged in activities that require sustained attention.

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Screens are now a normal part of everyday life. Tablets, phones, televisions and gaming devices are used in most homes and can be helpful for learning, communication and entertainment. Many families also use screens as a way to relax together or to help keep children occupied during busy moments.

However, as Occupational Therapists working with children and families, we are increasingly noticing situations where screen use is beginning to affect a child’s behaviour, sleep, attention or ability to engage in everyday activities.

Screens themselves are not necessarily the problem.

The key issue is often how much time children spend using them and what activities they replace during the day.

Children learn and develop best through movement, play, interaction and real-world experiences. When screens begin to take up a large part of the day, children may miss opportunities to develop important skills such as emotional regulation, attention, social interaction and problem solving.

Recognising early signs that screen use may be becoming a difficulty can help families make small changes that support healthier routines.

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A simple routine guide families can adopt.

Examples:

No screens during meals

No screens 1 hour before bedtime

Devices charge outside bedrooms overnight

Screens used in shared family spaces

One screen-free family activity each day

This helps families create structure rather than strict bans.

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Screens can sometimes be helpful tools for children with additional needs, but they work best when used alongside a range of other activities that support development and wellbeing.

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Screens can sometimes be helpful tools for children with additional needs, but they work best when used alongside a range of other activities that support development and wellbeing.

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Screens can sometimes be helpful tools for children with additional needs, but they work best when used alongside a range of other activities that support development and wellbeing.

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Screens can sometimes be helpful tools for children with additional needs, but they work best when used alongside a range of other activities that support development and wellbeing.

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Screen Time | Safety and Prevention - Child 5 to 12 years | Healthier Together

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Advice and guidance on Screen Time for Safety and Prevention - Child 5 to 12 years.

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

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How does screen time impact children’s brain development?

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Doctor on How Screen Time Hurts Kids' Cognitive Development

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How to support your Child’s Development | Child Development - Child 5 to 12 years | Healthier Together

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Advice and guidance on How to support your Child’s Development for Child Development - Child 5 to 12 years.

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The findings and recommendations of the Early Years Screen Time Advisory Group on the effects of all types of screen use in the early years of childhood.

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The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

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The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

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Screen time and online harms: resources for members

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This page brings together key resources on screen time and online harms to help inform conversations with families and guide clinical practice across the UK. We will continue to monitor developments and update these resources as new guidance emerges.

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Supporting your child through compulsive device use

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Supporting your child through compulsive device use

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Screen time guidance for children under 5

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New advice for parents on screen time for young children

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Screens are part of everyday life for young families. With 98% of two-year-olds watching screens daily, avoiding them altogether isn’t realistic — but managing them well can make a difference to how young children grow and develop. Here’s what you need to know about the government’s new free guidance for parents.

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Baby and toddler screen time guidance - Best Start in Life

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Guidance for parents on managing screen time for under 5s. Learn what’s recommended and how to build healthy habits from an early age.

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Screen time guidance for children under 5

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New screen time guidance for parents of under-5s

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Government answers parents’ calls for support on screen time with new evidence-backed guidance.

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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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CBeebies - CBeebies Parenting, Download: New screen time advice for under-fives unpacked

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Katie Thistleton & Guvna B on the new government guidance on screen time for under-fives.

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Practical ideas to support children’s emotional regulation without relying on screens.

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Practical ideas to support children’s emotional regulation without relying on screens.