The United Kingdom has set out new guidance for parents that they need to restrict screen time for young children due to the mounting worries about the impact of screen exposure at a young age.
Under the recommendations, children under the age of two should not be exposed to screens at all and those aged 2 to 5 should be limited to about one hour per day.
Officials warn that too much use of devices such as smartphones, tablets, televisions, and laptops and the lack of sleep, physical play and social interaction (all of which are essential for healthy development) are at risk because of this.
The move is part of a broader movement around the world to regulate the online activity of children.
Countries such as France, Denmark, and the Netherlands are taking action and bringing tighter regulation and age verified systems and protections for safety concerns raised due to potential mental health and cyberbullying issues.
This also includes exposure to harmful content.
Indonesia also has increased restrictions, announcing that children under the age of 16 would be restricted from playing online game Roblox after it categorises it as high-risk.
In the UK, the guidance is one of the most direct steps taken by the government to tackle the issue of young children on digital patterns.
Data exists demonstrating that screen use is already widespread with nearly all two year olds using screens on a daily basis.
At the same time, many parents say they struggle to regulate screen time and there are issues with balancing technology in the home.
The recommendations include avoiding screens at mealtimes and before bed, choosing so-called slow-paced and age-appropriate content, and watching that program together with children and support language and social development.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that families need clear and practical guidance as technology is changing very fast.
Across Europe, governments continue to look into extra-wide online safety measures, some of which involve possible age restrictions for social media, and also restricting the use of emerging digital tools.
Also read: Indonesia announces social media restrictions for kids
