Responding to new government guidance for parents on children's screen time, James Bowen, assistant general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“Navigating an increasingly digital world where screens are everywhere can be a real challenge for parents, and school leaders are increasingly concerned about the impact of excessive screen use by young children.
“While the digital world brings a range of potential benefits for children, including when it comes to supporting learning, there are risks too, and spending too much time on digital devices can cause real issues.
“Most schools have restrictions on phone use in place, but if children are tired due excessive phone use the night before school this can still impact their concentration in the classroom.
“We very much welcome clear advice for parents about how to navigate this relatively new world and hope this leads to healthier screentime habits.”
First published 27 March 2026