A Balanced Approach to Screen Time for Under-5s

In a world of smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, the conversation around screen time is one of the most common—and most anxiety-inducing—challenges for modern parents. We are the first generation to raise children who have never known a world without this technology, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice.

Are we damaging their development? How much is too much? And what is the right way to use technology?

At Thrive Childcare, we approach this topic with an expert, non-judgemental voice. We understand that screens are a part of life, and sometimes, they are a practical tool for busy families.

Our philosophy is not about rigid, unrealistic rules. It’s about being purposeful. It’s about understanding what your child needs for healthy development and ensuring technology supports that, rather than displaces it.

Understanding the “Why”: What Research Tells Us

The primary concern among child development experts isn’t that screens are inherently “bad,” but rather what they displace. A child’s brain develops at a phenomenal rate in the first five years, and this development is fuelled by real-world, multi-sensory experiences.

When a child is passively watching a screen, what are they not doing?

• They aren’t playing: Active, child-led play is how children build their brains. The power of play is that it teaches problem-solving, physics, creativity, and risk-assessment—all in a 3D, tactile world.
• They aren’t building social skills: The “serve and return” of conversation is vital. When a baby babbles and a parent responds, it builds neural pathways for communication. A screen cannot do this. This active, back-and-forth interaction is the foundation for nurturing early literacy and communication skills and is precisely how we nurture social skills at Thrive.
• They aren’t practising self-regulation: The real world requires patience. You have to wait for your turn or work hard to build a tower. The fast-paced, instant-gratification world of screens can undermine a child’s ability to manage frustration and delay gratification. This is a core part of what self-regulation is and why it is so important.

Our Approach: Technology as a Tool, Not a Pacifier

At our nurseries, you won’t see children left with devices for passive consumption. Our approach to technology is purposeful, interactive, and often social.

When we do use technology, it is as a tool for active learning. This might mean:

• Using a tablet to look up a picture of a specific frog the children found in the garden.
• Using an interactive smartboard for a short, group activity.
• Taking digital photos of the children’s own artwork to create a story.

In these instances, technology is a springboard back into the real world, not an escape from it.

A Practical Guide for Parents: The 3 “C’s”

Instead of focusing on a strict minute-by-minute count, we encourage parents to think about the 3 C’s:

1. Content (What are they watching?) Not all screen time is equal. An interactive, slow-paced, educational programme from an expert source (like CBeebies) is vastly different from a fast-edited, ad-filled, un-moderated YouTube video. Prioritise content that is age-appropriate and encourages thinking.
2. Context (How are they watching?) Is your child watching alone, or are you “co-viewing” with them? Watching a programme with your child and talking about it (“What do you think will happen next?” “Look at that big red bus!”) transforms a passive activity into an active, social, and language-building one.
3. Child (Who is watching?) Every child is different. Observe your child and their needs. Do they become irritable after screen time? Does it interfere with their sleep? Is it a battle to turn it off? Understanding their specific child development stages will help you make choices that are right for your family.

Tips for Creating a Healthy Balance at Home

• 1. Prioritise the “Antidote” First: Before offering a screen, ask yourself: Has my child had enough active, real-world play today? Have they been outside? Have we read a book together? Have they engaged in deep, sensory play? Filling their “play cup” first often reduces the demand for screens. This is why we champion the superpower of sensory play as the perfect antidote to 2D screens.
• 2. Create “Screen-Free” Zones and Times: The simplest rules are the most effective. For example, “we don’t use screens at the dinner table” or “no screens for one hour before bedtime.” This creates predictable boundaries that children learn to expect.
• 3. Talk About the “Off” Switch: Give clear time warnings (“We’re turning this off after two more songs”) and stick to them. This models boundary-setting and helps them practise managing the (very normal) frustration of stopping a fun activity.
• 4. Model a Healthy Relationship: This is often the hardest part! Our children see us on our phones. Try to narrate what you are doing (“I’m just checking the map so we know how to get to the park”) so they see it as a functional tool, not just a source of endless scrolling.
• 5. Don’t Be Afraid of Boredom: Often, a child’s call for a screen is really a call for connection or stimulation. When you hear “I’m bored,” try not to see it as a problem to be solved, but as a spark. This is when creativity happens! Offer some simple, open-ended items and see what they come up with. For ideas, check out our guide to nursery activities to encourage creativity at home.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. We know you are doing your best in a complex world. Our goal is to be your partner in this journey, providing a nursery environment that is so rich, engaging, and hands-on that it naturally balances out the digital world, helping your child build a foundation for a lifetime of learning and well-being.