Liverpool has launched a citywide initiative to standardise how children and young people interact with digital technology. On Friday, 1 May 2026, the local authority convened a summit of education, health, and youth service leaders to address the growing impact of screens and social media on child development. This coordinated effort aims to provide families and schools with a unified framework for navigating the digital landscape.
The initiative follows recent national updates, including new statutory guidance for schools and specific recommendations for technology use in early years settings. Liverpool is now working to translate these national policies into local practices that reflect the daily realities of family life while ensuring children’s health remains the primary focus.
Practical guidance for Liverpool families
Evidence presented at the citywide event suggests that not all digital interaction carries the same weight for development. Experts highlighted that shared screen time, where an engaged adult interacts with a child during use, is significantly more beneficial than solo consumption. The strategy advocates for slow-paced, age-appropriate content and acknowledges that screen-based assistive technologies remain essential for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
For the youngest residents, the recommendations are specific. Screen use for children under the age of two should generally be avoided, except for shared activities that actively promote bonding and interaction, such as video calls with relatives. For children aged two to five, the guidance suggests limiting screen time to approximately one hour per day. Professionals also warned that social media platforms and AI-enabled tools are not designed for young children and should be excluded from their daily routines.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, noted that while technology supports learning and creativity, poorly managed use can disrupt behaviour and wellbeing. He emphasized that the goal is to provide non-judgemental, realistic advice that helps parents keep children safe. Developing essential digital navigation skills is increasingly seen as a core component of modern parenting and education.
Public health and the displacement of physical activity
The strategy is heavily informed by public health data regarding how excessive screen time affects physical and mental health. Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, stated that while screens are an unavoidable part of modern life, balance is vital to prevent the displacement of critical developmental activities. Long periods of digital use often reduce the time children spend on sleep, physical play, and face-to-face social interaction.
There is also a growing concern regarding how social media algorithms can influence the perceptions and mental health of older children and teenagers. By establishing a citywide evidence base, Liverpool aims to ensure that messaging remains consistent across all touchpoints, from GP surgeries and early years centres to secondary schools.
Future support for schools and early years settings
Liverpool will continue to collaborate with regional partners to refine these principles and ensure they remain updated as technology evolves. The council is currently encouraging organisations and professionals across the city to act as champions for healthy digital habits. This involves providing parents and carers with clear, evidence-based advice that can be easily implemented at home.
The next phase of the rollout will involve distributing these resources through school networks and community hubs. The focus remains on creating a supportive environment where technology acts as a tool for growth rather than a barrier to healthy development. Professionals across the city are being asked to integrate these screen-use principles into their existing support services for families.
Source: Liverpool City Council
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