Screen Time Guidelines by Age: What Every Parent Should Know

In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere—from smartphones to tablets, TVs to laptops. As convenient and educational as technology can be, too much screen time can impact your child’s development, behavior, sleep, and mental health. That’s why understanding age-appropriate screen time limits and learning to set healthy boundaries is essential for modern parenting.

Why Screen Time Matters

Excessive screen use has been linked to:

• Delayed speech and language development
• Shortened attention spans
• Sleep disturbances
• Behavioral issues
• Reduced physical activity

But when used wisely, screen time can also be:

• Educational
• Creative
• Socially connective (especially for older kids and teens)

The key is balance—knowing how much is too much, and when screen time is actually beneficial.

Recommended Screen Time by Age

The following screen time recommendations are based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Infants (0–18 Months)

• Recommended: Avoid screen time entirely, except for video chatting with family.
• Why: Babies learn best through hands-on play, face-to-face interaction, and real-world exploration.

Toddlers (18–24 Months)

• Recommended: Up to 30 minutes per day, co-viewed with a caregiver.
• Tip: Choose high-quality, age-appropriate educational content and always watch together.

Preschoolers (2–5 Years)

• Recommended: Up to 1 hour per day, co-viewed and guided.
• What to Focus On:
  • Slow-paced, interactive shows
  • Educational games with clear benefits
  • Real-life follow-up (e.g., draw something from the show or act out scenes)

School-Aged Children (6–12 Years)

• Recommended: 1–2 hours per day of recreational screen time.
• Tips for Balance:
  • Prioritize school, physical activity, and sleep
  • Set clear screen time schedules
  • Encourage non-screen hobbies like sports, crafts, or music

Teens (13–18 Years)

• Recommended: Varies by child—focus on quality, not just quantity.
• Focus On:
  • Setting family tech rules (e.g., no screens at dinner)
  • Encouraging digital literacy and critical thinking
  • Monitoring for social media fatigue, anxiety, or sleep issues

How to Set Healthy Screen Time Boundaries

Create a Screen Time Schedule

• Use timers or screen-limiting apps
• Designate “tech-free” zones (like bedrooms and dinner tables)

Lead by Example

• Kids mimic your habits. Practice what you preach by limiting your own screen use.

Use the “Tech Talk” Approach

• Teach children about the effects of screen overuse
• Discuss online safety and cyberbullying with older kids and teens

Fun Screen-Free Alternatives by Age

Toddlers & Preschoolers

• Finger painting
• Playing with blocks or puzzles
• Storytime and sing-alongs

Ages 6–12

• Bike rides and outdoor games
• Cooking simple recipes together
• DIY science or craft projects

Teens

• Volunteering
• Creative hobbies like photography or writing
• Joining clubs or community sports

Final Thoughts: Screen Time Isn’t the Enemy—It’s a Tool

Technology is here to stay, and that’s not a bad thing. When used wisely, screens can educate, inspire, and entertain. The key lies in understanding what kind of screen time your child is engaging with, how often, and with whom. Set clear boundaries, stay involved, and don’t forget to unplug together as a family now and then.