Wondering How Much Screen Time is…Too Much Screen Time? These Guidelines Will Help
Knowing how much screen time to give your kiddos can feel totally overwhelming. Social media advice runs the gamut, with some parents posting cautionary tales and others calling out “screen-shamers”, working to normalize getting a break.
At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for YOU and your kiddo. That said, there are research-driven guidelines to help make the choice easier. I love to share this resource with clients when it comes up, and I hope these tips are helpful for you and your sweet family.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following screen time guidelines:
Babies:
0-18 Months
Zero time (except family video chat calls).
Toddlers: 18-24 Months
Less than one hour co-watching educational programs with a caregiver.
Children: 2-5 Years
1 hour or less each weekday and up to 3 hours each weekend day.
Kids & Teens: 6-17 Years
2 hours or less of recreational screen time use per weekday. Focus on maintaining healthy limits and making time for other important things like physical activity and sleep.
Teen & Adults: 18 and Older
Keep to 2-4 hours of recreational screen use per weekday. Take frequent screen breaks and set up screen-free times and zones. Prioritize physical activity.
Create a plan and have a family conversation.
Be specific and discuss what needs to be accomplished prior to dedicated screen time - i.e., make the bed, clean your room, do your chores and homework.
Have the expectations printed and in a central location
Set up automatic timers that include automatic shut-off features.
If need be, you can lock up your devices in between active use times.
Use parental controls.
Make it understood that getting to have a cell phone or use a device is a privilege, not a right and comes with responsibility.
Designate screen-free zones.
No screens in the bedrooms. This goes for adults, too!
No screens at the dining table.
Without physical boundaries around screen use, it can be harder to supervise, cause poor sleep hygiene, and lead to isolating behaviors.
A reminder for adults: lead by example.
Some situations to think about include:
Screen time during travel. For some, it may be used only on long drives and for others only a few apps are designated for “travel time only”.
Some parents do no-limit options with certain educational apps.
Lastly, 2 hours of daily outdoor time is a healthy goal.
By creating a plan and clearly stating boundaries, you can build a healthy relationship with technology for both yourself and your family!
Happy organizing,
Aimee