In today’s world, screens are an integral part of our daily lives, and for children, they offer educational opportunities, entertainment, and ways to connect with others. However, it’s important to manage screen time to ensure children engage with technology in a healthy and balanced way. Screen time guidelines for different age groups help parents navigate the digital landscape.
Infants (0-18 Months)
Screen Time Recommendation: Avoid screen time for infants under 18 months, except for video chatting.
Guidelines:
Focus on interactive play, reading, and exploration to support cognitive and physical development.
Video chatting with family members can be an exception, as it fosters social interaction.
Toddlers (18-24 Months)
Screen Time Recommendation: Introduce limited screen time with high-quality content.
Guidelines:
Choose educational content designed for toddlers, and watch together to help them understand what they’re seeing.
Limit screen time to short sessions and ensure it doesn’t interfere with active play, sleep, or other essential activities.
Preschoolers (2-5 Years)
Screen Time Recommendation: Up to 1 hour of high-quality screen time per day.
Guidelines:
Select age-appropriate educational programs that encourage learning and creativity.
Co-view content with your child when possible, and discuss what you’re watching to reinforce learning and comprehension.
Balance screen time with plenty of physical activity, creative play, and face-to-face interaction with family and peers.
School-Age Children (6-12 Years)
Screen Time Recommendation: 1 to 2 hours per day of recreational screen time, excluding schoolwork.
Guidelines:
Prioritize educational and age-appropriate content that supports learning and healthy development.
Encourage breaks during extended screen use, particularly for homework, to prevent eye strain and promote physical activity.
Establish screen-free times, such as during meals or one hour before bedtime, to promote healthy habits and sleep hygiene.
Involve children in setting screen time rules to help them understand the importance of balance.
Teens (13-18 Years)
Screen Time Recommendation: Up to 2 hours per day of recreational screen time, excluding schoolwork.
Guidelines:
Discuss the content teens engage with and encourage responsible behavior online to help them develop a balanced approach to screen use.
Monitor screen time to ensure it doesn’t interfere with homework, physical activity, sleep, or in-person social interactions.
Encourage teens to take regular breaks from screens, especially during long sessions, and to engage in offline activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
Be aware of the potential impact of social media on mental health, and have open conversations about managing screen time and staying safe online.
General Tips for All Age Groups
Be a Role Model: Demonstrate healthy screen habits by managing screen time and prioritizing face-to-face interactions.
Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate areas in the home, such as the dining room or bedrooms, where screens are not allowed to encourage family time and better sleep.
Encourage Outdoor Play: Screen time should not replace physical activity. Instead, encourage outdoor play, sports, and other active pursuits.
Use Parental Controls: Utilize parental controls to limit access to inappropriate content and set device time limits.
Foster Open Communication: Discuss the importance of balance and healthy screen use with your children and involve them in setting and maintaining screen time rules.
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