Kids love phones, tablets, and TVs! But with all that fun stuff, it’s easy for them to spend too much time glued to screens.
As a parent, you might wonder: how much screen time is too much?
In this post, I’ll break down the age-based digital time limits for children.
Quick Overview
To manage your child’s screen time well, follow these guidelines:
- Babies under 18 months: No screens except video chats with family.
- Kids 2-5 years old: Limit non-educational screen time to an hour on weekdays and up to three hours on weekends.
- Kids 5 and older: The AAP has no specific screen time limits, but make sure screen time doesn’t take over their day.
Too much screen time can cause problems like poor fitness, obesity, bad posture, and even issues with how kids develop socially and emotionally.
Also Read: 3 Health Hazards of Kids’ Smartphone Overuse
So you need to get involved with what your kids are watching.
Try to swap mindless entertainment for interactive, educational stuff.
Find a good balance between screen time and other activities.
Screen Time For Babies (0-12 Months)
For babies under a year old, it’s best to avoid screens altogether, except for video chats.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this because it helps babies develop their brains and social skills better.
Video chats can be good for connecting with family, but don’t overdo it.
Instead of screens, focus on face-to-face time with your baby.
Talk, play, and interact directly – this is way better for their development. It helps them learn to speak, understand emotions, and bond with you.
Toddlers’ Screen Time Guidelines (1-2 Years)
No screen time is best for toddlers too.
Video chatting with family members like grandparents or relatives is okay, though!
This helps them interact socially without the downsides of too much passive screen time.
Remember, toddlers learn best from real-world activities which support their cognitive and language development.
Instead of using a tablet to keep them quiet, try activities like building blocks, reading stories, or playing with dough. These are much better for their development than screen time.
Preschoolers’ Screen Limits (2-5 Years)
For preschoolers, aim for no more than an hour of non-educational screen time on weekdays, and up to three hours on weekends.
Also Read: 5 Strategies to Reduce Screen Time for Preteens
But it’s not just about how long they watch – what they watch matters too.
Focus on educational content that’s interactive and helps them learn.
Look for programs that teach things like language, problem-solving, and early math skills while still being fun.
Try to watch and discuss it together to make it a learning experience for both of you.
School-Age Children’s Recommendations (6-11 Years)
The AAP no longer provides specific screen time limits for older children.
However, they recommend parents consistently limit the time spent using media and ensure it doesn’t interfere with:
- Sleep
- Physical activity
- Other essential behaviors for development
My recommendation is to limit screen time to about two hours a day.
But don’t let them use screens at least an hour before bedtime for better sleep, use parental controls to manage screen time, and talk with your kids about the importance of doing different activities throughout the day.
Teen Screen Time Norms (12+ Years)
As your kids become teenagers, you’ll need to adjust your approach to screen time.
Set clear boundaries, but also help them learn to manage their own screen time.
And encourage them to do other activities like sports, reading, or hanging out with friends in person.
Try setting up “no-phone zones” in your house, like at the dinner table. This can help with family bonding and encourage face-to-face conversations.
You can also use apps that help monitor and limit screen time to teach responsible tech use.
Also Read: Effective Strategies To Monitor Teen Tech Usage
Tips To Limit Screen Time
Now there are ways to make screen time a healthy part of their day, not the whole thing!
Here are some tips to help you limit your child’s screen time:
#1 Make Screen-Free Zones
Bedrooms and mealtimes are prime spots for a screen break. This helps your child unwind and connect with family without distractions.
#2 Swap Screens for Stuff
When your child gets the urge for screen time, offer them another activity instead.
Maybe it’s playtime with toys, reading a book together, or building something fun!
#3 Set Time Limits
Decide how much screen time is okay for your child each day, and stick to it!
Use timers or alarms to help them know when it’s time to switch gears.
Also Read: Setting Screen Time Limits for Adolescents
#4 Make it a Game
Turn off-screen time into an adventure!
Explore a park, play a board game, or have a dance party. Make it fun and your child will forget all about screens.
#5 Be a Good Example
Kids learn by watching you.
Limit your own screen time and show them how much fun other activities can be.
And set clear rules and expectations about screen time. Explain why limits are important, and be firm but fair when enforcing them.
Encouraging Alternative Activities
Get your kids involved in activities that don’t involve screens, like sports, music, or art.
Turn your living room into a place for family board games, or use your backyard for nature exploration. And create screen-free zones in your house for activities like cooking together or doing puzzles.
Let your kids help choose books or games to get them more interested in these offline activities.
Wrapping Up
Imagine your home filled with more laughter than beeps, where playing hide-and-seek is more popular than staring at screens.
From your baby’s first real smile to your teenager’s real-world adventures, it’s all about finding the right balance. Less swiping and scrolling, more talking and exploring.
So grab a ball, pull out some art supplies, and make those screens a bit jealous.
After all, the best connections happen face-to-face, not screen-to-screen!