CHILDREN under five should only be allowed an hour of screen time a day, the PM said tonight.
Labour also said mums and dads should limit any screen time for youngsters so they can enjoy their childhood.
PM Sir Keir Starmer pledged to help in the battle against technology as he unveiled fresh guidance on tots and tablets.
The Department for Education advice says toddlers aged two and under should avoid screens altogether — except for shared activities for bonding and conversations.
Children up to the age of five should be limited to an hour a day, with screens ditched completely at mealtimes and before bed.
The guidance also says shared screen use is better than leaving youngsters on their own.
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The move comes as charity Kindred Squared revealed 28 per cent of children starting reception classes do not know how to use a book.
They try to swipe and tap pages like they would on a tablet.
The guidance was drawn up by an expert panel, including doctors and specialists in children’s health.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, said: “I know that many Sun readers will feel they’re fighting a constant battle with screens.
“The guidance we’re setting out is to help parents make sure children can enjoy childhood, whether that’s reading, playing with friends, enjoying the outdoors.”
PM Sir Keir added: “Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless. Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting.
“My Government will not leave parents to face this battle alone.”
Ms Phillipson would not say what the advice would be for children over the age of five and teens, telling The Sun ministers are waiting for the results of a consultation into a possible social media ban for under-16s.
Pressed on whether she personally backs a ban, she said: “People have a range of different views.
“The purpose of the consultation is to understand what parents want to see and what the evidence tells us.”
The guidance also urges parents not to spend too much time on their phone around young kids.
It warns: “Children’s brains are like sponges — they’ll copy your screen-use habits. Be mindful of how often you use your phone around your child.”
Research by tech regulator Ofcom found 19 per cent of three to five-year-olds have mobile phones.
Some 37 per cent use social media and 91 per cent video-sharing platforms.
The Tories have vowed to ban smartphones in schools and bring in a social media blackout for under-16s.
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said: “This guidance falls short of what’s needed.”
