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Recommended Screen Time Guidelines for Young Children
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
The AAP recommends no screen time for children under 18 months except video chatting, and for children aged 2 to 5, limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality content with parental involvement. Screen-free zones and times, especially before bed, help establish healthy habits.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 11. Limit screen time for children aged 2 to 5 to one hour per day of high-quality programming.
- 22. Remove all screens from your child's bedroom and avoid screen use during meals.
- 33. Establish a screen-free hour before bedtime with calming activities like reading or bathing.
What to say
- “Let's pick a fun show to watch together and talk about it afterward!”
- “In five minutes, we'll turn off the tablet and get ready for bed.”
- “We don't use screens at the dinner table because it's family time to talk and connect.”
What to practice consistently
- Create and follow a Family Media Use Plan that sets clear rules about when and where screens are allowed.
- Co-view media regularly to help your child understand and engage with content.
- Encourage daily physical activity and unstructured play to balance screen time.
What to avoid
- Using screens as the primary way to calm or distract your child.
- Allowing unlimited or unsupervised screen time, especially passive consumption.
- Using screens in the hour 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
- For children under 18 months: Avoid screen media except for video chatting to support social connection.
- For children 2 to 5 years: Limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality, educational programming.
- Parents co-view media to help children understand content and encourage interaction.
- Establish screen-free zones such as bedrooms and the dinner table to promote healthy habits.
- Implement screen-free times, especially the hour before bedtime, to reduce overstimulation and improve sleep.
- Create a Family Media Use Plan that balances screen time with sleep, physical activity, homework, and face-to-face interaction.
Related questions
A Family Media Use Plan sets clear rules about screen time limits, screen-free zones and times, and encourages co-viewing and balanced activities.
High-quality programming includes educational shows designed for preschoolers that promote learning and interaction, such as Sesame Street or PBS Kids.
Use transition warnings like 'five more minutes,' establish consistent routines, and offer engaging alternative activities.
Related articles on Parent.wiki
Recommended Screen Time Limits for Young Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time for children aged 2 to 5 to one hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing by parents to enhance understanding. For children under 18 months, screen media use is discouraged except for video chatting. Establishing screen-free zones and times, especially before bedtime, supports healthy sleep and development.
Appropriate Screen Time for Young Children to Support Pretend Play
For young children, especially ages 2 to 5, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day of high-quality, educational programming, with parental co-viewing to support understanding. Excessive screen time can reduce opportunities for active, unstructured play such as pretend play, which is vital for cognitive and social development.
Recommended Screen Time Guidelines for Children Ages 2 to 5
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children aged 2 to 5 have no more than one hour per day of high-quality, educational screen time. Parents are encouraged to co-view media with their children to help them understand content and to establish screen-free zones and times, especially before bedtime, to promote healthy sleep and development.
Recommended Screen Time Limits for Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time for children aged 2 to 5 to one hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing by parents to enhance understanding. For children under 18 months, screen media use is discouraged except for video chatting. Establishing screen-free zones and times, especially before bedtime, supports healthy sleep and development.
From around the web
Media and Young Minds
Guidance on screen time and media use for young children.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Children and Screen Time
Recommendations and risks related to screen time in children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Screen Time and Children
Advice on managing screen time and its effects on children.
Nemours KidsHealth
Screen Time and Children’s Mental Health
How different types of screen time affect children's mental health.
Child Mind Institute