Screen Use Report

The government commissioned the Early Years Screen Time Advisory Group (EYSTAG) to produce an independent report reviewing the available evidence on the effects of screen use by children under 5 years old.

EYSTAG was co-chaired by:

Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England
Professor Russell Viner, Professor in Adolescent Health, University College London

The report takes into account:

the latest research into the impacts, both positive and negative, of early years screen use
parent, child and early years stakeholder views, including those submitted through a call for evidence

The report examines quantitative and qualitative evidence on the effects of all types of screen use, including:

computers
tablets
mobile phones
television

It sets out the panel’s findings and its recommendations to parents and the government.

Advice on screen use for parents and carers of under-5s is available on the Best Start in Life website. This advice has been informed by the EYSTAG report.

Early Years Screen Time Advisory Group Report March 2026