91探花

Discussions around screen usage and the impact of this on development, sleep and emotional wellbeing have become common place in consultations with families. Our members have voiced increasing concerns as to the impact of screen usage on development, not just from the screen usage itself but the opportunities lost to develop our children鈥檚 imagination, interaction and physical development as well as building relationships with those around them. 

There is increasing evidence to back these concerns and those who work to support children to thrive and to keep them safe, must take action. As such we welcome the government鈥檚 statement on this matter. Families frequently seek guidance on what their children should access, and we hope this will provide clarity and prompt alternative activities and opportunities. 

We also need to recognise that screen usage for some can be a valuable form of social connection, and it is important not to vilify those families who may allow screen time to facilitate interactions for children with chronic illness and severe disability for whom the online community can offer a lifeline of social connection. Hence, whilst we welcome today鈥檚 news we are also keen to see further efforts to keep children and young people safe when they are online, and are keen to work with the government to get this right for our children and young people. 

Heather Taylor (91探花 Convenor)

 31st March 2026