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Written question asked by Ruth Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Olivia Bailey (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Parents: Advisory Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of international models of digital parenting support for screen time, such as in Australia.

Answer

On 27 March, the government published guidance on screen time for children aged 0 to 5 on the Best Start in Life website. The guidance is informed by an expert panel’s independent report on quantitative and qualitative research, including engagement with parents, carers and stakeholders, which also published on 27 March.

We have also launched our ‘You Won’t Know Until You Ask’ campaign, providing parents with practical advice on how to talk to their children about harmful online content.

The consultation on children’s digital wellbeing launched on 2 March looks at further measures to keep children safe online. It will run until 26 May, with the government reporting back in the summer. Later this year, we will publish guidance on screen time for parents of children aged 5 to 16, which will be informed by the consultation and a separate a call for evidence.

We are monitoring the policies of other countries, including Australia, and are working with counterparts to share learnings and best practice on screen time. Ministers from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will also be visiting Australia to understand their approach.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
121472
Session
2024-26
Related items
Department for Education: Written Questions
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Children Advisory services Australia Internet Parents
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk