Understanding Screen Time Recommendations for Children

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

Why Screen Time Management Matters for Child Development

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

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

Attention and executive function decline
- Constant screen stimulation trains shorter attention spans
- Immediate decreases in focus after screen use
Sleep disruption
- Blue light affects melatonin production
- Recommended: 1 hour screen-free before bedtime
Social development delays
- Reduced face-to-face interaction
- Background TV decreases family communication
Behavioral issues
- Increased aggression with violent content
- More emotional dysregulation

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

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

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