We've all been there – you just need 20 minutes of quiet, so you hand over the tablet. But then, the guilt creeps in. Are they watching too much? Will this affect their development? Parenting today comes with countless screen time rules, making it feel like it’s impossible to get it "right." But instead of striving for perfection, focus on finding a balance that works for your family while keeping expert advice in mind.
Why limiting screen time matters
Setting screen time limits isn’t about restrictions – it’s about making room for what matters most: adequate sleep, stronger social skills, and healthy habits.
“Studies show excessive screen time for children is associated with developmental delays in speech, motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and increased behavioral issues, sleep disruption, and sedentary activity,” says Neal Davis, MD, a pediatrician and medical director of pediatric community-based care at Intermountain Health.
Let’s take a closer look into how setting screen boundaries can help your child:
- Better sleep: Staring at screens before bed – whether it's watching TV from the couch or playing on a tablet close up – can make it harder for kids to fall asleep and stay asleep. Turning them off an hour before bedtime can lead to longer, more restful sleep.
- Stronger learning and social skills: The less time kids spend staring at a screen, the more time they have for real-world, face-to-face interactions. Talking, playing, and making eye contact all help develop speech, problem-solving skills, and attention spans.
- Healthier weight: More screen time often means more snacking (and in some cases, more exposure to food advertising). Cutting back on screens makes room for active play, which naturally supports a healthy weight.
- Improved behavior: Some TV shows, movies, and games can be too fast-paced, too intense, or just not age-appropriate. Cutting back on screen time gives kids more opportunities to unwind, play, and learn how to be more in control of their emotions.
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Screen time recommendations by age
With all these benefits in mind, you might be wondering – what does healthy screen time actually look like? You’ll see it’s not about cutting out screens entirely but rather following what’s best for your child’s age and stage of development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidelines to help parents navigate screen time for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged kids.
Babies (under 18 months)
For the tiniest screen users, the only type of screen time recommended for infants is video chatting – and even then, a parent or caregiver should be present. Why? Because babies learn best from real human interaction.
Seeing a loved one's face on a screen can be engaging, but it’s the back-and-forth conversation that helps babies develop social cues and early communication skills. Passive screen time, like watching a show or playing with an app, just doesn’t provide the same benefits.
Toddlers (18-24 months)
Curious little explorers at this age are eager to soak up the world around them – including what’s on a screen. If parents choose to introduce digital media, the key is to be an active participant. The AAP recommends selecting high-quality, age-appropriate programming and watching it with your child.
This way, screen time becomes interactive – parents can talk about what’s happening, ask questions, and connect the content to real-life experiences. Think of it as co-exploring rather than just consuming.
Preschoolers (2-5 years old)
As kids get older, screen time becomes even more tempting, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a free-for-all. The AAP suggests no more than one hour per day of screen time for this age group. But keep in mind, not all screen time is created equal. Kids at this age benefit most from interactive, non-violent, and educational content, especially when parents co-view and engage with them.
Watching an educational show together? Ask questions, repeat new words, and make it a shared experience. Playing a digital game? Try to co-play and help your child connect the game’s lessons to the real world.
Children 6+ years old
Once kids hit school age, screens become a bigger part of life – for school, entertainment, and socializing. The AAP recommends a maximum of two hours of recreational screen time per day, and this is where consistency is key.
Setting limits on both time and content type helps ensure screens don’t replace important activities like physical play, social interaction, and sleep. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate screens – it’s to create a healthy balance.
The link between screen time and childhood obesity
One of the biggest concerns experts have is the link between excessive screen use and childhood obesity, as too much time in front of a screen often means less time for active play and healthy habits.
Childhood obesity rates continue to rise, with more than 12% of children aged 2-5 and over 20% of kids ages 6-11 classified as obese. Excessive screen time contributes to weight gain by reducing active playtime and increasing exposure to unhealthy food advertisements.
“During childhood, too much screen time can lead to weight gain,” says Katrina Jensen, MSN, a pediatric nurse at Intermountain Health. “Reducing screen time can free up time for family activities and remove cues to eat unhealthy food.”
If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, consult your pediatrician for guidance on healthy habits and available resources.
7 practical screen time tips for real-life parents
Instead of aiming for perfection, try these small, guilt-free changes that will make a big impact:
- Avoid using screens as a pacifier. Instead, try books or cuddles when possible.
- Don’t feel pressured to introduce screens early. Little ones learn best from real-world interactions.
- Limit screen use during meals. It’s a great chance to catch up and share stories about each other’s day.
- Be a role model. Reducing your own screen time can help kids develop healthier habits.
- Keep screens out of bedrooms. This supports better sleep and less late-night screen exposure.
- Turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime. It helps children wind down for the night.
- Plan outings with screen-free alternatives. Bringing books or toys instead of a tablet can make a big difference.
Parenting is hard enough without the added guilt of screen time struggles. By making mindful choices – rather than aiming for perfection – you can help your kids develop a healthy relationship with technology while keeping your sanity intact.