All About Screen Time for Kids

Screen Time Recommendations by Age

Parents can help their children develop healthy media habits from a young age, and this can mean limiting screen time. In fact, too much screen time may lead to sleep problems, lower grades, and poor self-image.

Children Under 18 Months Old

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies younger than 18 months old have nearly no screentime, with a notable exception being video chatting with family members.¹ Young babies are still learning how to use their bodies and should be spending their first year developing physical, social, and emotional skills. Interactive playtime and books should take precedence.

Kids Between 18 and 24 Months Old

Toddlers are incredibly active and may try to mimic their parents at every turn, which can include trying to get their hands on a smartphone, remote, or tablet. Parents who feel comfortable introducing screens to children at this age should limit screen time to high-quality programming and apps that encourage learning. Adults should always be present for toddler screen usage and should help them to understand and participate with the presented content.

Kids 2 from 5 Years Old

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry recommends a limit of about one hour or non-educational screen time per weekday, and up to three hours on weekends.² Educational apps and programs can help to boost kids’ social and mental abilities, but a much greater benefit is derived from playdates and outdoor time. Younger kids who spend too much time in front of a screen may enter kindergarten with underdeveloped fine motor skills.³

Children 6 Years Old and Up

Parents can help limit screen time for kids by making sure that digital media doesn’t replace real life interactions and playtime. This is still a crucial time for kids who are developing their social skills, and they should spend as much time playing outside with friends as they can.

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How to Limit Screen Time for Kids

There’s a lot that parents and caregivers can do to help kids develop healthy tech habits:

• Keep screens out of the bedroom and in common areas of the house.
• Eat at the table, not in front of a screen. Keep smartphones and tablets away from the table and stress that mealtime is about family, not tech.
• Talk to your children about what they’re watching. Point out aspects of the program that have real world impacts like sharing, kindness, and cooperation. Make connections between what they’re watching and playing and other points of interest in their lives.
• Talk to your children about online safety and teach them to exercise caution.
• Encourage other activities like music, art, and sports that do not involve screens.

It’s important for adults to remember that each child is different and will treat technology differently. Consider your child or teen’s maturity level and remember that there is no one-size-fits-all plan for screen time. Make the right choice for your family and your children.