Liverpool City Council has brought together partners from education, health, early years and youth services to develop a shared approach to supporting healthy screen use for children and young people across the city.
At an event on Friday 1 May 2026, local organisations talked about what the evidence says on how screens and social media affect children’s health, wellbeing and development. They agreed that families, schools and services need clear, practical guidance.
The discussion follows recent Government announcements, including new national guidance on screen use in the early years and a commitment to statutory guidance for schools.
Liverpool City Council is working to interpret this guidance at a local level, ensuring it reflects the realities of family life while prioritising children’s health and wellbeing.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“As a teacher, I’ve seen first‑hand how technology can support learning, creativity and connection, but also how too much or poorly managed screen use can affect children’s behaviour, wellbeing and development.
“Parents and carers are not anti‑technology; they just want balanced, practical advice that works for real life. Liverpool City Council is committed to working with schools, health partners and communities to provide clear, non‑judgemental guidance that helps families keep children safe, healthy and thriving in a digital world.”
The guidance highlighted at the event reinforces that not all screen use is equal. Evidence shows that shared screen time with an engaged adult is far better for children’s development than solo use; that slow‑paced, age‑appropriate content is preferable; and that screen‑based assistive technologies may be essential for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
For babies and young children, the guidance advises limiting total screen time wherever possible. Screen use for under‑2s should be avoided except for shared activities that promote bonding and interaction, while for children aged 2–5 years, screen time should ideally be kept to around one hour a day or less. Social media and AI‑enabled tools are not designed for young children and should be avoided.
Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said:
“Screens are now an unavoidable part of everyday life, but the evidence is clear that balance matters. Long periods of screen use can displace activities that are critical for healthy development, such as sleep, physical activity, play and face‑to‑face interaction. By working together across Liverpool, we can reduce harm while making sure children benefit from technology in safe, positive ways.”
Liverpool City Council will continue working with regional partners to develop a shared evidence base and agreed principles for safe screen use, supporting consistent messaging across schools, early years settings, and services. The council is encouraging organisations and professionals across the city to champion healthy screen habits and to support parents and carers with clear, realistic advice.
