Recommended Screen Time Limits for Children
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
The AAP advises no screen time for children under 18 months except video chatting, and a maximum of one hour per day of quality content for children aged 2 to 5, with parental involvement. For older children, setting consistent limits, encouraging physical activity, and prioritizing interactive, educational screen use are recommended.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 1Create a Family Media Use Plan that sets daily screen time limits and screen-free zones
- 2Remove all screens from your child's bedroom and the dinner table
- 3Establish a screen-free hour before bedtime with calming activities like reading
What to say
- “Let's pick one show to watch together and then we'll turn off the screen.”
- “Screens stay out of the bedroom so you can get a good night's sleep.”
- “After this show, we'll have some time to play outside before dinner.”
What to practice consistently
- Consistently enforcing screen time limits and screen-free zones
- Co-viewing and discussing screen content to enhance understanding
- Encouraging daily physical activity and face-to-face interactions
What to avoid
- Using screens as the primary way to calm or distract your child
- Allowing screens during meals or right before bedtime
- Permitting unlimited or unsupervised screen use
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Limiting screen time to one hour daily for children aged 2 to 5, focusing on educational content
- Discouraging screen use for children under 18 months except video chatting
- Parental co-viewing to help children understand and engage with content
- Establishing screen-free zones such as bedrooms and the dinner table
- Implementing screen-free times, particularly the hour before bedtime to improve sleep
- Balancing screen time with physical activity, face-to-face interaction, and unstructured play
Related questions
A Family Media Use Plan sets clear rules about when, where, and how screens are used, including time limits, screen-free zones, and expectations for content and behavior.
High-quality programming includes educational shows like Sesame Street or interactive apps designed to promote learning and development, ideally co-viewed with a parent.
Excessive screen time, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns by delaying bedtime and reducing sleep quality.
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.
Effective Strategies for Setting Screen Time Limits Your Child Will Accept
Setting screen time limits that children accept involves consistent routines, clear communication, and offering choices to give children a sense of control. Using positive reinforcement, transition warnings, and family media plans can reduce conflict and help children understand boundaries around screen use.
Recommended Screen Time Limits for Children by Age
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides specific screen time guidelines based on age to promote healthy development and sleep. For children under 18 months, screen media use is discouraged except for video chatting. Children aged 2 to 5 should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality programming with parental co-viewing. Older children benefit from balanced screen time that does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face interactions.
Recommended Screen Time Limits for Toddlers
For toddlers under 18 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screen media except for video chatting. For children aged 2 to 5, screen time should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality, educational programming, ideally co-viewed with a parent. 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
Information on screen time recommendations and its effects on children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Screen Time and Children
Insights on different types of screen time and managing device use.
Child Mind Institute
Family Media Use Plan
Tools and tips to create a family media use plan.
American Academy of Pediatrics