Families across Cumbria will benefit from new government guidance to help parents manage screen time for young children, Children and Families Minister and local MP Josh MacAlister has said.
The new guidance, published last week, gives clear, practical and non-judgemental advice to parents of under-fives – helping families navigate one of the biggest challenges of modern parenting.
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington and Minister for Children and Families, said:
“Parents across Cumbria have told me how difficult it can be to get the balance right with screen time – especially with so much conflicting advice out there.
“As a local MP, I’ve been working closely with parents, experts and schools on how we better support families in a digital age.
“That’s why I’m proud the government is publishing this new guidance – practical, evidence-based advice developed with over a thousand parents to help families feel more confident in the choices they’re making.”
The guidance includes simple steps such as avoiding solo screen time for under-twos, limiting screen use to around an hour a day for 2–5 year olds, choosing slower-paced and age-appropriate content, and prioritising shared activities like reading, play and conversation.
It comes as evidence shows that while screens are part of everyday life for young children, excessive screen use – particularly alone – can impact early language, social and emotional development.
Josh has been a leading voice pushing for action to tackle the harms caused to children and young people by excessive screen time and social media use. His Safer Phones Bill committed the government to action last year.
Josh MacAlister MP added:
“This guidance is just one step.
“We’re taking wider action – including our ongoing national consultation on children’s online safety – looking at measures like a minimum age for social media, stronger protections from harmful content, and new safeguards around emerging technologies.
“We are absolutely clear: we will not leave parents to navigate this alone.
“I’ll continue working both locally and in government to make sure families in Cumbria have the support they need – every step of the way.”
The new guidance is part of the government’s broader “Best Start in Life” programme, alongside the rollout of Best Start Family Hubs, bringing advice, services and community support closer to families.
Parents can access the full guidance and a range of free resources online here
Josh MacAlister MP 