How Much Screen Time is Too Much? Practical Guidelines for Parents
In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere. Whether it’s a tablet, TV, or smartphone, screen time is part of life for most families, and let’s be honest, it can be really handy at times. Watching engaging content can keep your child entertained while you take a much-needed breather or catch up on tasks. We’ve all been there, and there’s nothing wrong with using screen time strategically!
However, as parents, it’s important to consider the cumulative effect of the time your child spends in front of screens. It’s not just about how long they’re watching but what they’re not doing while they’re glued to digital content. Activities like playing outside, engaging in creative play, and interacting with others are crucial for your child’s development – and too much screen time can edge out these valuable experiences.
So how much is too much? Here’s a guide from Kids First’s child psychologists and teachers to help you manage your child’s screen time effectively while maintaining a healthy balance.
Recommended Screen Time for Different Ages
Ages 0-2: No Screen Time (Except for Video Chats)
For children under two, screen time is generally not recommended, except for the occasional video call with family. At this age, when babies and toddlers are building their communication skills, they learn best from face-to-face interactions, exploring their surroundings, and developing motor and sensory skills.
Ages 2-5: Up to 1 Hour Per Day
For preschool-aged children, it’s best to limit recreational screen time to no more than an hour a day. Try to focus on high-quality, educational content that sparks curiosity and learning. Watching together, when possible, helps you turn screen time into an interactive learning experience.
Ages 6-12: Up to 2 Hours Per Day
As your child starts school, screen time becomes a bigger part of life, especially with schoolwork moving online. It can be hard to know exactly how much exposure your child is having to ‘screens’ in the classroom and playground, so it’s a good idea to limit recreational screen time (like games or shows) to around two hours per day. Encourage breaks and balance screen use with active play, outdoor time, and activities that build social skills.
Ages 13-14: 2-3 Hours Per Day
For older kids and teenagers, try to keep recreational screen time to around 2-3 hours per day. Teenagers often use screens for homework, so be mindful of balancing school-related screen time with recreational use. Encourage healthy habits like taking regular breaks, avoiding screens before bed, and engaging in physical activities and face-to-face social time. You may also wish to explore parental controls on your children’s devices to protect them from content that is not appropriate.
Why Screen Time Limits Matter
While screen time can offer entertainment and even learning opportunities, it’s crucial to think about what your child is missing out on while they’re sitting in front of a screen. Are they getting enough physical activity? Are they engaging in creative play, learning to problem-solve, and developing social skills through interactions with others? These activities are all vital for your child’s growth and well-being.
Too much screen time can affect sleep, attention, and even emotional regulation. Plus, it can become a default activity, limiting opportunities for the kinds of experiences that really help children thrive, like playing outdoors, reading, or spending quality time with family and friends.
Finding Balance
The key is not to eliminate screen time but to find a balance that works for your family. Here are some tips to help manage your child’s screen time:
- Create screen-free zones: For example, make mealtimes and bedrooms screen-free to encourage conversation and better sleep habits.
- Encourage active breaks: Whether it’s stretching, going for a walk, or playing a game, breaks help break up long stretches of screen use.
- Offer alternatives: Keep engaging, screen-free activities handy. Books, craft supplies, puzzles, or outdoor games can make it easier to offer a fun alternative.
- Set clear boundaries: Let your child know when and where screens are allowed and be consistent with the rules you set.
By being mindful of screen use and the activities that might be getting left out, you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with screens while ensuring they get the balance of activities they need to grow and thrive.
Remember, it’s about balance, not banning screens entirely. With some thoughtful limits, you can enjoy the benefits of screen time while making sure your child’s development stays on track.
Want more tips?
The team at Kids First is here to help! Our team of multi-disciplinary therapists can provide personalised advice to support your child’s well-being. If you have any concerns or need additional support, please reach out to our team at Kids First Children’s Services on (02) 9938 5419.
