Screen Time Guidelines for Kids: Healthy Digital Habits

Understanding Screen Time Recommendations for Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its screen time guidelines with these recommendations:

• Under 18 months: Avoid screen time (except video calls)
• 18-24 months: Limited co-viewing with caregivers
• 2-5 years: 1 hour per day maximum
• 6+ years: Consistent limits (typically 2 hours max)

Why Screen Time Management Matters for Child Development

Children's developing brains lack mature executive function - the cognitive skills needed for:

• Self-regulation
• Impulse control
• Long-term decision making

This makes them particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive screen time.

4 Key Negative Impacts of Excessive Screen Time

1. Attention and executive function decline

   • Constant screen stimulation trains shorter attention spans
   • Immediate decreases in focus after screen use

2. Sleep disruption

   • Blue light affects melatonin production
   • Recommended: 1 hour screen-free before bedtime

3. Social development delays

   • Reduced face-to-face interaction
   • Background TV decreases family communication

4. Behavioral issues

   • Increased aggression with violent content
   • More emotional dysregulation

6 Mindful Strategies for Healthy Family Tech Use

1. Model Good Behavior

• Put devices away during family time
• 70% of kids think parents overuse screens

2. Set Clear Limits

• Use a daily schedule to prioritize:
  • Sleep
  • Schoolwork
  • Physical activity
  • Family time
• Allocate remaining time to screens

3. Establish Tech-Free Zones/Times

• No devices during:
  • Meals
  • Homework
  • 1 hour before bed
• Keep screens out of bedrooms

4. Monitor Content

• Use resources like Common Sense Media
• Enable parental controls
• Discuss online safety

5. Treat Tech as Privilege

• Set consequences for rule-breaking
• Temporary removal for misuse

6. Make Conscious Choices

• Delay smartphones until high school
• Choose educational over passive content

The Parent's Role in Digital Wellness

Just as with nutrition or safety, children need parental guidance to develop healthy tech habits. By combining:

• Clear boundaries
• Quality content
• Balanced schedules

...you can help your child build a positive relationship with technology that supports rather than hinders their development.