How much screen time is appropriate for kids?

Appropriate Screen Time for Kids by Age

Infants (Under 18 months)

• It’s recommended that infants have no screen time, other than video chatting with family.

Toddlers (18 months to 2 years)

• If you introduce digital media, choose high-quality programming/apps and use media together with the child to help them understand what they’re seeing. Limit screen time to an hour a day or less.

Preschoolers (3 to 4 years)

• Limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, and watch with them as much as possible to help them understand and apply what they’re seeing.

School-age children (5 to 12 years)

• While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for this age group, many experts suggest 1-2 hours of recreational screen time per day. It’s more important to ensure they complete homework, get physical activity, and have face-to-face interaction with family members and friends.

Teenagers (13 years and older)

• The focus should be on balancing screen time with other activities, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with getting adequate sleep, physical activity, and other behaviors essential to health.

Encouraging Kids to Engage in Different Activities at Home:

Establish Routines

• Set specific times for meals, chores, screen time, reading, and bedtimes. Children thrive on routine, and it can help limit screen time.

Family Activities:

• Engage in board games, cooking together, gardening, or DIY craft projects.

Encourage Physical Activity

• This can be dancing, indoor obstacle courses, yoga, or simple exercises. Even chores can be a form of physical activity.

Provide Creative Outlets:

• Supply materials for drawing, painting, craft projects, or building with blocks or LEGO.

Reading Time

• Create a cozy reading nook and set aside time each day for reading. For younger children, bedtime stories are a great routine.

Educational Kits

• Invest in science kits, art kits, or other educational resources that can provide hands-on learning.

Limit Screen Locations

• Keep screens out of bedrooms and have designated areas for screen use.

Model Behavior

• Children imitate adults. If they see you reading, doing chores, or engaging in hobbies, they’re more likely to do the same.

Outdoor Play:

• If you have a yard or balcony, encourage outdoor play. Activities like skipping, hopscotch, or even playing with pets can be beneficial.

Incentives:

• Reward non-screen activities with points or tokens, which can be traded for something they value.

Interactive Learning:

• If they’re using screens, make it interactive. There are many educational apps and games that are both fun and informative.

Join Them:

• Sometimes, children need company to start an activity. Whether it’s building a puzzle, coloring, or reading, your participation can encourage them.