How much screen time is too much?

Kids are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. We're breaking down why setting limits is essential for their well-being and how parents can manage screen time effectively.

The importance of screen time limitations

Excessive screen time can disrupt sleep, reduce physical activity, and impact how kids develop social skills. When screens take over, they can interfere with important developmental activities like play, conversation, and creative exploration. The key is finding a healthy balance and setting boundaries while allowing kids to enjoy screen time in a mindful way.

Screen time guidelines for children

• Babies (0 to 18 months): Avoid screens, except for video calls with family or friends.
• Toddlers (18 months to 2 years): Small amounts (about 15–30 minutes) of high-quality, educational content, preferably watched together to enhance learning. Avoid solo media use.
• Preschoolers (2 to 5 years): Limit to under one hour per day of educational screen time, ideally with a parent to help guide understanding. Avoid solo media use.
• Older Kids (6+ years): Set clear daily limits, like 1 to 2 hours.

Risks of too much screen time

• Reduces physical activity: Excess screen time replaces active play, which reduces the chance to develop motor skills and increases the risk of weight gain.
• Disrupts sleep: Screens interfere with sleep and can overstimulate making it harder for kids to fall asleep and stay well-rested.
• Affects mood and focus: Too much screen time can lead to mood swings, attention difficulties, and the imitation of negative behaviors seen on-screen.
• Limits social development: Increased screen use reduces opportunities for face-to-face interaction, affecting social skills like communication and empathy.
• Hinders emotional regulation: Over-reliance on screens for entertainment or calming down may make it harder for kids to self-regulate emotions.
• Less opportunity for play and learning: Excessive screen time reduces opportunities for kids to engage in creative, independent play or focus on homework, which can have a negative impact on imagination and school performance.

Benefits of screen time

• Educational apps and programs can help teach valuable skills like math, reading, and problem-solving, and make learning engaging and interactive.
• Video calls allow kids to stay connected with distant family and friends.
• Certain platforms encourage creativity and provide opportunities for children to draw, build, or experiment with technology.
• Well-chosen content can offer entertainment and relaxation and offer a positive and enjoyable break during a busy day.

Strategies for managing screen time as a family

• Set clear boundaries: Establish rules for when and where screens can be used—such as no devices during meals or in bedrooms.
• Create a daily schedule: First, prioritize non-screen activities like outdoor play, reading, or family time. Then, pick a time and duration for screen time.
• Use parental controls: Block inappropriate content and set time limits to help guide device usage.
• Model healthy habits: Show how to balance screen use with other activities.
• Encourage shared screen time: Watch a movie or play a video game together to turn screen time into a bonding and learning experience.
• Offer alternative activities: Provide options to engage in arts and crafts or sports so that kids don't rely on screens when they're bored.  
• Choose quality content: Select educational and entertaining media that adds value to screen time.

Comparing screen time: TV, video games, smartphones, and tablets

• TV screens are more passive and encourage long periods of sitting and reduce physical activity.
• Video games are more interactive but may lead to over-stimulation, aggression, or even addiction, especially when the content is violent or overly competitive.
• Smartphones and tablets are smaller and more portable, making them easier to use in different settings, which can make it harder to establish clear boundaries. They also promote multitasking, such as watching videos while texting, which can disrupt focus and contribute to more screen time.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s screen time, consult your local or Summer Health’s child development specialist for guidance.