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Top tips for dads: screen time for under 5s

Help managing screen time for under 5s

Firstly, this is guidance - not rules set in stone. These tips are based on the recent Best Start in Life baby and toddler guidance.

It’s evidence-based guidance to help you make better calls more often, not something to beat yourself up over.

Modern parenting can be messy. Screens are everywhere. Doing your best most days is what matters. Remember, no one gets it right all the time.

 

Aim for 'less, but better'

The guidance suggests:

  • Under 2s: avoid screens except for shared moments
  • Age 2–5: aim for around 1 hour a day (less if you can)  

But the key message isn’t perfection - it’s balance.

If today runs over? Reset tomorrow.

 

Image from Best Start in Life guidance - illustration of two brains watching a screen together on the sofa

Watch together when you can 

One of the biggest wins: don’t make screens a solo activity.

Talking, laughing, asking questions while watching together actually supports development much more than passive viewing .

  • “What’s happening there?”
  • “Why do you think they’re sad?”

You’re turning screen time into connection time.

 Content matters more than you think

Not all screen time is equal.

Better choices:

  • Slow-paced, simple programmes
  • Clear voices, fewer scene changes

Try to avoid:

  • Fast, hyper-stimulating videos
  • Social media-style clips (they can affect attention)  

A good rule of thumb: If it feels frantic to you, it probably is for them.

 

4. Protect the big stuff: sleep, play, connection

The evidence is clear: too much screen time can crowd out what young kids really need - 

  • Sleep
  • Active play
  • Talking and bonding with you  

Golden rule: Screens shouldn’t replace the basics that help kids grow.

 

5. Create simple “no-screen” moments

You don’t need a perfect routine - just a few anchors:

  • No screens at mealtimes
  • No screens before bed
  • Try not to have TV on in the background  

These small habits make a big difference over time.

 

Best Start in Life illustration of an adult brain using their phone with their child following behind

Be aware of your own screen use

Kids copy what we do.

If we’re always on our phones, they notice - and it can reduce those back-and-forth moments they need for development.

No guilt - just awareness.

 

7. Screens can help -  and that’s okay

Sometimes you need 20 minutes to cook dinner or breathe. That’s real life.

The guidance recognises:

  • Some screen use is part of modern parenting
  • For some children (e.g. SEND), screens can be genuinely helpful  

This isn’t about banning screens - it’s about using them more intentionally.

The bottom line for dads:

You don’t need to be perfect - you just need to be intentional more often than not.

If you:

  • keep screen time roughly in check
  • choose educational content
  • stay involved when you can
  • protect time for sleep, play, and connection

…you’re already doing a great job.

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