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Recommended Screen Time Limits for Children by Age
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
The AAP recommends no screen time except video chatting for children under 18 months, up to one hour per day of quality content for ages 2 to 5, and consistent limits with a Family Media Use Plan for older children. The CDC and Child Mind Institute emphasize balancing screen time with physical activity and sleep.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 11. Remove all screens from your child's bedroom to promote better sleep.
- 22. Limit screen time for children aged 2 to 5 to one hour per day of high-quality content and watch together.
- 33. Create a Family Media Use Plan that sets clear rules about when and where screens can be used.
What to say
- “Let's pick one show to watch together today and then we'll play outside afterward.”
- “Screens need to be off an hour before bedtime so your brain can get ready to sleep.”
- “After 5 more minutes of your game, it's time to turn it off and do something else fun.”
What to practice consistently
- Establish consistent screen-free times, such as during meals and the hour before bed.
- Model balanced screen use by limiting your own device time around children.
- Offer alternative activities like reading, puzzles, or outdoor play to replace screen time.
What to avoid
- Using screens as the primary method to calm or distract children.
- Allowing unlimited or unsupervised screen time, especially before bedtime.
- Engaging in lengthy negotiations or conflicts over screen use.
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 video chatting to support brain development.
- For ages 2 to 5: Limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality, educational programming with parental involvement.
- For older children: Use a Family Media Use Plan to set daily time limits, designate screen-free zones (like bedrooms and dinner tables), and screen-free times (such as the hour before bed).
- Prioritize interactive and educational content over passive consumption.
- Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily to balance sedentary screen time.
- Model balanced screen habits as parents and caregivers.
Related questions
A Family Media Use Plan sets clear rules about screen time limits, screen-free zones and times, content types, and models balanced use for all family members.
Signs include sleep problems, irritability, difficulty paying attention, reduced physical activity, and conflicts over device use.
No; interactive, educational screen time with parental involvement is less concerning than passive, solitary consumption.
Related articles on Parent.wiki
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.
Screen Time Recommendations for Children Under Age 2
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screen media for children younger than 18 months, except for video chatting. For children under 2, interactive, real-world play and caregiver interaction are prioritized over screen exposure. Screen time is discouraged because it may interfere with sleep, attention, and healthy development.
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.
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 Children Communication Toolkit
Provides guidance on managing children's media use and creating family media plans.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Children and Screen Time
Discusses the impact of screen time on children's health and development.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Screen Time and Children
Explores how to balance screen time with other healthy activities.
Child Mind Institute
Tips for Managing Screen Time
Offers practical advice for parents to set limits and encourage healthy screen habits.
Nemours KidsHealth