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Young Children’s Screen Time
10 February 2026
Lead MP
Luke Charters
York Outer
Lab
Responding Minister
Georgia Gould
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Word Count: 4522
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Luke Charters raised concerns about young children’s screen time in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The speaker asks for government support in providing guidance to parents about what constitutes excessive screen time. He also advocates for transparent policies regarding screen use in schools and encourages a balanced approach that includes positive alternatives such as outdoor activities and reading.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The speaker is concerned about the impact of excessive screen time on young children. He cites research indicating that nearly 98% of children under two engage with screens daily, averaging about two hours a day. Another study estimates nearly 800,000 under-fives are using social media unsupervised, leading to fears over exposure to inappropriate content and the negative impact on attention, behaviour, sleep, and emotional regulation.
Adam Dance
Lib Dem
Yeovil
Shares personal experience of phone usage and bullying during school years due to dyslexia and ADHD, urging the government to invest more in youth services in rural areas. The MP thanked the Minister for her commitment to assistive technology for dyslexic students and inquired about progress towards increasing access, noting only 18% of dyslexics currently have access.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
The MP shared findings from a survey with local schools indicating that children would spend more time outdoors and reading if they were not on social media, questioning the need for evidence-based approaches rather than simplistic solutions.
Hitchin
Agrees with Luke Charters on the importance of honest guidance grounded in real questions and experiences from parents across Britain.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
References Born in Bradford research trial testing whether reducing social media use improves anxiety, sleep and relationships among young people, advocating for essential research on social media impacts. The MP asked the Minister to commend the work of the National Literacy Trust during the National Year of Reading, suggesting it helps restore the joy of reading among children.
David Ward
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
He commented on Zack George's work in inspiring children and the need for a balanced approach to technology, emphasizing that not all screen time is harmful if used appropriately.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Compliments Luke Charters for being a good dad and responsive to his children, noting that digital technology can have positive effects but misuse near bedtime or overuse is leading to tired pupils at school. Highlights the need for guidance to help parents find a balance.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Discusses sensory overload issues related to certain YouTube channels, emphasizing that it is not just about time but also content quality.
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Darlington
Tributes Luke Charters as a good advocate for parents and mentions Jonathan Haidt's advice on screen time, suggesting that watching long-form narrative content is better than short-form content viewed independently. Proposes a public health campaign from the government. The MP asked if the Minister's work would consider the link between increased need for speech and language therapy in early years and pre-school screen time.
Sarah Owen
Con
Westminster North
She thanked the lead MP for his speech, mentioning Zack George's message to young people and expressing support for guidance on unsupervised screen time.
Will Stone
Lab
Swindon North
Supports banning social media and points out the correlation between excessive screen time and poor mental health among children.
Government Response
Georgia Gould
Government Response
Acknowledged the concerns raised about young children's screen time, emphasizing the need for evidence-based advice to support parents. Announced new lending libraries, a £200 million investment into teacher training focused on assistive technology in classrooms, and the first Government guidance for parents on screen use for under-fives. Introduced an expert panel chaired by Professor Russell Viner and Dame Rachel de Souza to review current evidence on early years screen use. Launched a two-week call for evidence and engagement sessions across England to gather real-life experiences and needs from families, practitioners, and stakeholders. The guidance will be published in April through the Best Start in Life website.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.