What is the right amount of screen time for my child?

Although some screen time may be informative and educational to children, excessive exposure to tablets, computers, TV and smart phones may lead to overstimulation of a child’s sensorium leading to behavioral problems, worsening aggressiveness and volatility, along with poor sleeping habits

In today’s digital age, it’s no surprise that kids are spending more and more time in front of screens. But how much screen time is too much?

Suggested screen time

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use by children younger than 2 years of age.

• Limit older children’s screen time to no more than one or two hours a day.
• Until 18 months of age limit screen use to video chatting along with an adult.
• Between 18 and 24 months of age, screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver for less than an hour.
• For children 2-5 years of age, limiting non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days may be reasonable and appropriate.

Of course, these are just general guidelines. The amount of screen time that’s right for your child will depend on their individual needs and interests

Concerns surrounding too much screen time

There are a number of reasons why too much screen time can be harmful for children. First, screen time can displace other activities that are important for children’s development, such as physical activity, social interaction, and creative play. Second, screen time can expose children to violence, advertising, and other harmful content. Third, screen time can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to obesity.

• Elementary students who have TVs in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on tests. 
• Too much exposure to violence through media can desensitize children to violence and accept violent behavior as a normal way to solve problems. 
• Excessive screen time may also lead to less participation in active and creative play.
• Too much screen time may lead to obesity concerns along with risk of developing an appetite for junk food (promoted in advertising) along with overeating while watching on electronics. 
• More screen exposure may lead to falling asleep concerns as well as irregular sleep schedules. 
• Children watching more than 2 hours a day playing video games, or using computer or smart phones may lead to attention, emotional and social problems. 

Tips on how to set limits on your child’s exposure

Screen time when used correctly can help teach and instruct your child providing educational benefit but active learning improves critical thinking skills increased retention and transfer of Information, and improve interpersonal skills and motivation.

• Plan what your child views by setting up a family media plan. 
• Remember to not eat in front of a screen and turn off all screens during family meals. Allowing your child to eat or snack in front of electronic devices increases his or her screen time.
• Record programs and watch them later. This will allow you to fast-forward through commercials for selling junk food, products, and toys.
• When watching live programs, use the mute button during commercials and challenge your family to a physical activity during the commercials.
• Seek quality video programming for your children.  Consider using parental controls on your TV settings and watch programming together and talk about what you see such as family values, violence or drug abuse.
• Choose video games that encourage physical activity.
• Avoid using electronics to stop tantrums or provide background noise.
• Remember to turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.

Set limits and stick to them.

As a parent, you are the responsible party and your child will mirror your behavior. When you are active with them, it encourages them to remain active and to participate in games, sports, reading and spending time with friends and family.

It is important to turn off all screens during family meals. Avoid using electronics to stop tantrums or provide background noise. Remember to turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.

Screen time when used correctly can help teach and instruct your child providing educational benefits. Active learning, however, improves critical thinking skills, increases retention and transfer of information, as well as enhances interpersonal skills and motivation.

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