Screen Time & Healthy Digital Habits
Screens are part of modern family life, and we know that phones, tablets and televisions can be useful, entertaining and sometimes necessary! At Bizzy Bees, our aim isn't to make families feel guilty about screen use, but to help children develop healthy habits from the very beginning.
The early years are an incredibly important period for children's development. Talking, playing, exploring, moving, sharing stories and interacting with other people all provide experiences that a screen cannot replace.
⏱️ How much screen time?
Children aged 2–5: aim for no more than ONE HOUR of screen time across the day — and less is even better.
This matches current NHS guidance for 2–5-year-olds and WHO recommendations for young children.
🐝 Bizzy Bees' top tips
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Watch together – Talk about what you're watching. Ask questions, name things and make connections with real life.
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Choose carefully – Choose slower-paced, age-appropriate programmes with clear speech and simple stories rather than lots of very short, fast-changing videos.
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Keep meals screen-free – Mealtimes are a brilliant opportunity for conversation and interaction.
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Protect bedtime - Swap the screen for a story, songs or a chat and avoid screens in the period before sleep.
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Don't use screens for every difficult moment – Children also need opportunities to learn how to manage boredom, waiting and big feelings with adult support.
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Swap rather than simply stop – "Tablet off!" is much easier when followed by "Shall we get the Play-Doh out?" or "Let's go and find some leaves outside."
The government's 2026 advice particularly emphasises choosing slower, predictable content, watching together, keeping mealtimes and bedrooms screen-free, and ensuring screens don't displace sleep, physical activity, play or interaction
💬 Why does Bizzy Bees talk about screen time?
At Bizzy Bees, we talk about screen time because early years are such an important period of development. Children need lots of opportunities to talk, play, move, explore, imagine - and sometimes be a little bit bored!
These everyday experiences help children learn to concentrate, manage frustration, regulate their emotions, develop creativity and find their own ways to play.
Screens are part of modern family life, and this isn't about saying their "bad". Its about making sure they don't replace the real-life experiences young children need to grow, learn, thrive and develop:
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Communication & language – children learn language through real back-and-forth conversations.
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Attention & listening – children need opportunities to concentrate, listen, wait and respond without constant rapid stimulation.
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Physical development – climbing, running, building, drawing, manipulating objects and messy play develop skills that can't be practised through a screen.
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Personal, social & emotional development – real interactions help children learn about facial expressions, emotions, turn-taking, relationships and regulating their feelings.
The NHS stresses that everyday interactions — talking, playing, reading and spending time together — are particularly important during the first five years.
🌱 Small changes make a difference
You don't have to change everything overnight. If screen time has gradually increased, start small. Try reducing it by 10–15 minutes, introduce one screen-free meal, leave devices behind for a short journey, or replace one programme with a story or activity together. Consistent small changes can help children develop healthier habits.
🤝 Need some support?
Finding screen time difficult at home?
You're not alone!
If you're worried about how much time your child is spending on a screen, they're becoming very upset when devices are removed, or you're simply looking for ideas for screen-free activities, please speak to us.Your child's key person or a member of the Bizzy Bees team will be happy to help you think about realistic strategies that work for your family.
