How Much Screen Time Is Too Much? A Complete Guide for Parents

In today’s world, screens are everywhere—TVs, tablets, smartphones, laptops—and they’re becoming part of daily life at younger and younger ages. While screens can offer educational and creative opportunities, too much screen time can affect your child’s sleep, attention, vision, physical health, and emotional regulation.

As a parent, knowing where to draw the line can be hard. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide, combining the most up-to-date screen time recommendations with tips for how long kids should be on a screen at one time before needing a break.

Why Screen Time Needs Limits

Children’s eyes, brains, and bodies are still developing. Too much screen time—especially without breaks—can lead to:

• Digital eye strain (tired, dry, or blurry eyes)

• Delayed motor or language development

• Sleep problems (especially from nighttime screen use)

• Increased risk of anxiety or mood issues

• Decreased physical activity

• Difficulty focusing or managing emotions

Setting healthy limits isn’t about cutting screens out—it’s about creating balance.

Screen Time Guidelines by Age

Infants (0–18 Months)

• Daily screen time: None

• Session length: Not recommended at this age

• Exception: Video chatting with family members

At this stage, babies learn best through real-life interaction. Screens can interfere with bonding, communication, and early brain development.

Toddlers (18–24 Months)

• Daily screen time: Very limited

• Session length: No more than 15–20 minutes at a time

• Guidance: Only watch high-quality content with an adult present

Toddlers benefit most when a parent watches with them and talks about what’s happening on screen.

Preschoolers (2–5 Years)

• Daily screen time: Up to 1 hour of high-quality programming

• Session length: 20 minutes at a time, followed by active play or breaks

Screens shouldn’t replace hands-on learning, movement, or imaginative play. Regular breaks protect attention and support healthy development.

School-Aged Children (6–12 Years)

• Daily recreational screen time: Ideally, no more than 2 hours (not including schoolwork)

• Session length: 20–30 minutes per session, followed by a movement or vision break

Encourage the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain and mental fatigue.

Teenagers (13–18 Years)

• Daily recreational screen time: About 2 hours or less (excluding school-related use)

• Session length: 30–45 minutes per session, followed by a break

Work with your teen to set healthy screen habits. Encourage tech-free times (like meals or one hour before bed) and balance with physical, social, and offline creative activities.

Tips for Creating Healthy Screen Habits

• Make bedrooms screen-free: This protects sleep quality and helps establish boundaries.

• Model balanced use: Kids take cues from your behavior—let them see you putting your devices down.

• Use a family media plan: Set consistent expectations and rules for when, where, and how screens are used.

• Encourage movement and play: Break up screen sessions with physical activity, outdoor time, or real-world play.

• Be involved: Watch with your child when possible, and talk about what they see to boost learning and understanding.

  
  

Screens aren’t the enemy—when used thoughtfully, they can be valuable tools for connection and learning. But how much and how often your child uses a screen makes all the difference.

Following age-based recommendations and helping your child take breaks protects their eyes, brain, and emotional well-being.

Balance today builds healthy habits for life.

Sources and Further Reading

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — Media and Children

• Mayo Clinic — Screen Time Guidelines for Children

• World Health Organization (WHO) — Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep for Children Under 5 Years

• Children’s Hospital Los Angeles — Screen Time by Age: CHLA Expert Guidelines