How can screen time affect my child – steps to limit the screen time

Children today are surrounded by screens. Screen time refers to using or watching:

• TV shows or movies.
• Video games.
• Computers.
• Tablets.
• Smartphones.
• Any other handheld electronic devices.

Some programming can be educational for children. However, setting age-appropriate limits on your child’s screen time helps your child get more physical activity, make healthier food choices, and maintain a healthy weight. All of these healthy outcomes contribute to your child’s overall healthy development.

How can screen time affect my child?

Too much screen time can be problematic for children of any age. Babies learn by looking at faces and talking and playing with their parents. Looking at a screen means that they miss out on many learning opportunities.

Too much screen time can affect young children by:

• Reducing the time they spend getting exercise and being active.
• Leading to weight gain.
• Contributing to aggressive behavior, problems with attention, and sleep problems.
• Slowing speech and language development, including reading.

Too much screen time can affect older children and teens by:

• Reducing the time they spend getting exercise and being active.
• Leading to weight gain, increased cholesterol level, and high blood pressure. There is a strong link between poor health, obesity, and too much screen time.
• Contributing to sleep problems, attention problems, and unhealthy food choices.
• Leading to poor choices about drug and alcohol use and other risky behaviors.

How much screen time is recommended?

Recommendations for screen time vary depending on age. It is recommended that:

• Children younger than 18 months old do not use screens, unless it is for video chat.
• Children 18–24 months old watch limited amounts of quality educational programming with their parents.
• Children 2–5 years old watch 1 hour or less of quality programming a day with their parents.
• Children 6 and older have consistent limits on screen time. Screen time should not interfere with good sleep, regular exercise, and other educational and healthy activities.

What steps can I take to limit my child’s screen time?

Talk with your child about the importance of limiting screen time and getting enough exercise each day. To set and enforce rules about limiting screen time, consider:

• Limiting the amount of time that your child can spend on a screen each day.
• Having all family members follow the same limits on screen time. This includes parents.
• Making screens off-limits at certain times, such as mealtimes and bedtime.
• Making screens off-limits in certain areas, such as bedrooms.
• Moving screens out of rooms where children spend a lot of time. Cover screens that you cannot move, such as TVs or computer monitors.
• Making a chart to keep track of how much time each family member spends on a screen each day.
• Not using screen time as a reward or a punishment.
• Suggesting healthier ways for your kids to spend time, such as trying a new game, hobby, or sport.

Where to find support

• Talk with your child’s health care provider, teacher, or school counselor.
• Talk with other parents about how they limit their child’s screen time.
• Look for a library, parenting group, or other organization in your community that hosts workshops or discussions about children’s screen time.

Seek Additional Information

1. American Academy of Pediatrics: www.healthychildren.org/English/media/Pages/default.aspx  
2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/reduce-screen-time/tips-to-reduce-screen-time.htm