Phones, tablets, TVs, video games and computers are part of everyday life for most families. Screens can help children learn, create and stay connected with loved ones. But too much screen time, or the wrong kind, can crowd out sleep, physical activity, reading, play and face-to-face time that children need to grow and thrive. Rather than focusing only on the number of minutes, pediatricians now encourage families to think about how, when and why children use media, and to make a plan that fits their family.
Why Screen Habits Matter
Research has linked heavy or poorly timed screen use in children to:
- Shorter and poorer-quality sleep, especially when devices are used at bedtime or kept in the bedroom
- Less physical activity and a higher risk of unhealthy weight gain
- Delays in language and social skills in very young children when screens replace talking and play with caregivers
- Difficulty with attention and self-regulation for some children
- Exposure to violent, sexual or commercial content, and online risks such as cyberbullying and contact with strangers
On the positive side, high-quality educational programs, video chatting with family and creative digital activities can be beneficial, especially when a parent is involved.
Screen Time Guidance by Age
Babies younger than 18 months
Avoid screen media other than video chatting with family and friends. Babies learn best through talking, reading, singing and playing with the people who care for them.
Toddlers 18 to 24 months
If you choose to introduce digital media, pick high-quality programs or apps and watch or play together, talking about what you see. Avoid letting toddlers use media alone.
Children 2 to 5 years
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen use to about 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, watched together when possible. Help your child understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.
Children 6 years and older
Set consistent limits on time and types of media, and make sure screens don't take the place of adequate sleep (9 to 12 hours a night for ages 6 to 12, and 8 to 10 hours for teens), at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, homework, and time with family and friends.
Teens
Teens benefit from more independence, but they still need guidance about social media, privacy, sleep and online safety. Keep talking, and focus on helping them build their own healthy habits.
Think About the "5 Cs" of Media Use
The AAP suggests parents consider five questions when thinking about their child's media use:
- Child: What is your child like? Some children have a harder time stopping or are more sensitive to certain content.
- Content: Is the content educational, age-appropriate and free of violence and advertising pressure?
- Calm: Is your child learning other ways to calm down, or are screens the main tool for soothing emotions?
- Crowding out: What is media replacing: sleep, outdoor play, reading, family meals?
- Communication: Are you talking with your child about what they watch and do online?
How to Build a Family Media Plan
A family media plan is a set of agreements about media use that everyone, including parents, helps create and follow. The AAP offers a free online tool to build one at HealthyChildren.org/MediaUsePlan. Consider including:
- Screen-free zones: bedrooms, the dinner table and the car on short trips are great places to start.
- Screen-free times: during meals, the hour before bedtime and during homework (unless needed for school).
- A charging station outside of bedrooms so devices "go to sleep" overnight.
- Clear daily limits for recreational screen time, adjusted for weekends and school days.
- Rules for online safety: which apps and games are allowed, privacy settings, and what to do if something online feels uncomfortable.
- Plans for physical activity, reading and family time so there are fun alternatives.
Review your plan every few months, especially as children get older or start using new devices.
Practical Tips That Work
- Model healthy habits. Children notice how adults use their phones. Put devices away during conversations and meals.
- Watch and play together. Co-viewing helps young children learn and lets you guide older children.
- Use timers and routines. Give a warning before screen time ends, and have a next activity ready.
- Turn off background TV. It distracts from play and conversation even when no one is watching.
- Use parental controls and age ratings, but remember that they work best alongside open conversations.
- Avoid screens as the only way to calm a child. Help children practice other calming strategies like deep breaths, cuddles or quiet play.
Signs Screen Time May Be Too Much
There is no single number that's right for every child, so pay attention to how media use affects your child's day. It may be time to adjust your plan if your child:
- Has trouble falling asleep, or is tired during the day
- Gets very upset, angry or anxious when screen time ends
- Loses interest in playing outside, reading, sports or friends
- Is falling behind on homework or chores
- Has more headaches, eye strain or neck pain
- Sneaks devices or hides what they are doing online
If you notice these signs, start with one or two small changes, such as moving charging stations out of bedrooms or adding a family walk after dinner, and build from there.
Social Media and Teens
Most social media platforms require users to be at least 13. For teens who use social media, talk about:
- How much time they spend online and how it affects their mood and sleep
- Privacy settings and the permanence of what they post
- Cyberbullying, and what to do if they see or experience it
- Never sharing personal information or meeting online contacts in person without a parent's knowledge
- Comparing themselves to others, and the curated nature of online images
Watch for signs that media use may be harming your teen's well-being, such as trouble sleeping, withdrawing from friends and activities, irritability when offline, or changes in mood. Talk with us if you notice these signs. Read more about mental health and wellness in children.
Talk With Us at Well Visits
Media use is a great topic to bring up at well-child visits. If you are worried about your child's screen habits, sleep, attention or behavior, we're here to help you find a balance that works for your family. For related topics, see making exercise a way of life and developmental milestones from birth to age 5.
This article is general health information for parents and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your child, contact your pediatrician; in an emergency, call 911.
Questions about your child's health?
Our Chestertown pediatric team cares for newborns, children and teens. Request an appointment, read our new patient information or browse more articles on the pediatric health blog.