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Recommended Screen Time Guidelines for Preschoolers
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for preschoolers (ages 2 to 5) to one hour per day of high-quality educational content, with parents watching alongside to help children understand and apply what they see. Alternatives to screen time include interactive play, reading, and outdoor activities.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 1Establish a daily screen time limit of no more than 1 hour for your preschooler
- 2Select age-appropriate, educational shows or apps to watch together
- 3Create a consistent routine that includes screen-free play and reading time
What to say
- “Let's watch this show together and talk about what we see!”
- “After our screen time, we'll go outside to play and explore.”
- “Screens are for a little while each day, then it's time for other fun activities.”
What to practice consistently
- Co-viewing screen content regularly to enhance learning
- Encouraging interactive play and reading daily
- Maintaining screen-free times, especially during meals and before bed
What to avoid
- Using screens as a constant babysitter or to calm every fuss
- Allowing unlimited or unsupervised screen use
- Screen exposure right before bedtime, which can disrupt sleep
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Limiting screen time to 1 hour per day for children aged 2 to 5
- Choosing high-quality, educational programming designed for preschoolers
- Co-viewing content with the child to promote interaction and comprehension
- Avoiding screen use during meals and at least 1 hour before bedtime
- Encouraging active play, reading, and social interaction as primary activities
- Using screen time as a supplement, not a replacement, for hands-on learning
Related questions
Programs like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and PBS Kids shows are examples of high-quality educational content designed for preschool children.
Set clear limits on screen time and schedule daily outdoor play periods to ensure a healthy balance.
Excessive screen time can negatively affect attention, sleep, and social skills, but limited, high-quality screen use with parental involvement can be beneficial.
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For preschoolers, screen time recommendations generally emphasize limited daily use, especially for educational apps like coding programs. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that screen time for children aged 2 to 5 be limited to about one hour per day of high-quality programming, which can include coding apps designed for young learners.
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From around the web
Media and Young Minds
Guidance on screen time limits and media use for young children.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Screen Time and Children
Information on recommended screen time and its effects on child development.
CDC
Screen Time and Children Under 5 Years
Research-based recommendations on screen time for young children.
NICHD
Screen Time and Children
Expert advice on managing screen time for children.
Child Mind Institute