Does it feel like your child is glued to their tablet or phone? You’re not alone. In today’s digital age, screen time is a major concern for parents. But how much is too much? This blog post will explore the impact of screen time on children’s health and development and offer practical tips to help you achieve a healthy balance.

We’ll also talk about the American Academy of Pediatrics’ screen time recommendations and explore the reasons why limiting screen time is crucial. We’ll then provide a toolbox of strategies to help you reduce your child’s screen time, from setting clear boundaries to creating engaging alternatives.

By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to promote healthy screen habits in your child and foster their well-being.

What’s the maximum amount of screen time limitation for kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) publishes screen time recommendations. It emphasizes quality over quantity and varies by age group:

➤ Under 18 months

No screen time is recommended. Infants and toddlers are still developing critical cognitive and social skills that are best nurtured through real-world interactions. Screen time can hinder this development.

➤ 18-24 months

Up to 1 hour of high-quality programs with a co-viewing parent. Co-viewing allows you to explain what’s happening on screen, engage your child in conversation, and guide their understanding. Choose educational programs specifically designed for this age group. The best idea for teaching your kids without screens is through printable worksheets.

➤ 2-5 years

Limit to high-quality programs, with a total of 1 hour per weekday and 2-3 hours during weekends. Focus on educational shows that promote learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Even within this limit, prioritize screen-free activities like playing outdoors, reading books, or engaging in imaginative play.

➤ Six years and older

The AAP acknowledges that screen time needs for older children become more complex. They don’t provide specific hour limitations but emphasize the importance of setting clear boundaries and prioritizing healthy habits. Here are some key considerations:

• Individual Needs: Consider your child’s maturity level, interests, and overall activity level. A highly active child with a strong social network may handle more screen time than a quieter child who struggles with social interaction.
• Content Matters: Focus on high-quality educational content, documentaries, or age-appropriate movies. Limit exposure to mindless entertainment or content filled with violence or inappropriate themes.
• Schoolwork and Activities: Ensure screen time doesn’t interfere with schoolwork, homework, or extracurricular activities. Encourage a healthy balance that allows for physical activity, creative pursuits, and social interaction.

Please Note: Mobile phones or screen time should not be used for parental convenience. Follow the guidelines shared by AAP.

• Turn off all screens during family meals and outings.
• Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums.
• Turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

Reasons why you should limit screen time

Excessive screen time can have a significant negative impact on a child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Here’s a closer look at some of the key reasons why you should limit screen time.

1. Health problems related to excessive screen time in kids

• Obesity: Children glued to screens are less likely to engage in physical activity, which can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity.
• Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt sleep patterns, making it difficult for children to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
• Vision Problems: Excessive screen time can strain the eyes and contribute to vision problems like nearsightedness.

2. Developmental delays due to excessive screen time

• Social and Emotional Development: Screen time can hinder a child’s ability to develop essential social and emotional skills. Face-to-face interaction is crucial for learning to communicate effectively, build empathy, and navigate social situations.
• Creativity and Imagination: Over-reliance on screen-based entertainment can stifle a child’s creativity and imagination. Unstructured play and exploration are essential for fostering these vital skills.
• Language Skills: Interactive play and conversations are key for language development. Excessive screen time can limit these opportunities and hinder language acquisition.

3. Behavioral Issues due to excessive screen time

• Attention Problems: Rapidly changing visuals and fast-paced content on screens can make it difficult for children to develop sustained attention spans.
• Hyperactivity: Stimulating content on screens can lead to hyperactivity and difficulty focusing on calmer activities.
• Aggression: Exposure to violent content on screens can contribute to aggressive behavior in some children.

Additionally, regular exposure to screens over a long period of time can lead to some critical issues like these,

• Addiction: Excessive screen time can lead to addictive behaviors. Children may become reliant on screens for entertainment and struggle to engage in other activities.
• Cyberbullying: Increased screen time can expose children to cyberbullying and other online dangers.

By limiting screen time and promoting healthy alternatives, you can create a foundation for your child’s physical, social, and emotional well-being.

9 proven tips to get kids off screens

Looking for ways to break your child’s screen addiction? We get it! Here are 9 easy tips to help you gently nudge them away from screens and towards more engaging activities. These strategies will help you create a healthy balance and promote your child’s development!

1. Set clear limits and stick to them

Establish screen time limits based on the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations (no screen time for under 18 months, less than an hour per day for ages 2-5). Here are three ways you can do this:

• Create a Schedule: Decide on specific screen time slots throughout the day. Maybe 20 minutes in the morning and another 20 minutes in the afternoon.
• Be Consistent: Sticking to the schedule is key. It helps kids to understand expectations and prevents meltdowns when screen time ends abruptly.
• Use Visual Aids: Create a visual chart with pictures to represent screen time and non-screen time activities. This helps kids to understand the schedule in a way they can relate to.

2. Lead by example

If you constantly use your phone or tablet, your kids will want to do the same. You can start by putting your phone or tablet away when you’re with your children. They learn best by observing your behavior. Instead of screens, actively play with your child. Build blocks, read books, or sing songs.

In case you do need to use your phone, explain to your kids what you’re doing in a simple way. For instance: “Mommy is checking the weather to see if we can go to the park.”

3. Designate tech-free zones

Create screen-free zones in your home, like bedrooms and mealtimes. This will help discourage screen use and encourage other activities. 

Here are three basic screen-free zones you need to have with your little human:

1. Bedrooms: Screens can disrupt sleep. Keep bedrooms free of phones, tablets, and TVs.
2. Mealtimes: Mealtimes are for conversation and family bonding. Put away devices and enjoy each other’s company.
3. Family Outings: Restaurants, car rides, and even waiting rooms can be screen-free zones. Pack engaging travel toys or play games like “I Spy.”

4. Make screen time educational

When you do allow screen time, choose high-quality educational apps or programs. You can look for apps or programs designed for learning. Educational games, sing-alongs, and interactive stories can be beneficial.

To add the cherry on top, don’t let your kid watch passively. Engage with them, ask questions, and point out things on the screen. Just make sure you have a limit on quantity. Even educational screen time should be limited. Aim for short bursts followed by non-screen activities.

5. Offer engaging alternatives

Have a variety of toys, books, and art supplies readily available. Take your kids outside for fresh air and physical activity. You can regularly rotate toys to keep things interesting. Donate unused toys and introduce new ones that spark curiosity.

Visit the library and explore different books together. Read aloud with silly voices and sound effects to bring stories to life. You can also use reading worksheets for this part.

Pro tip: Invite other children (the same age as your kid) over for playdates. Social interaction helps develop communication and teamwork skills.

6. Turn Off Screens during transitions

Avoid using screens to calm down a fussy child or during transitions like getting ready for bed. Develop calming routines that don’t involve screens. This could include baths or story time. 

You can offer distractions when they are cranky. Distract them with a hug, a song, or a favorite toy. Screens should be a last resort. It can take time for kids to adjust to new routines, but you have to be patient and consistent with your approach.

7. Embrace boredom

A little boredom is a good thing! It can encourage creativity and independent play. Don’t feel pressured to entertain your child every minute. Having little unstructured time allows them to explore their imaginations. Let them play independently and see what they come up with.

Put away electronic toys that light up and sing. Simple toys like blocks, dolls, and cars encourage open-ended play. Sometimes the best way to encourage independent play is to play with your kids. Build a tower together or create a story with their stuffed animals.

8. Involve your kids in setting limits

As your kids get older, involve them in creating screen time rules. Give them choices about what shows they can watch and for how long. Explain why limits are important and the benefits of other activities.

Start by giving your kid some control over their screen time. Let them choose which educational show they want to watch or which app they want to play with. Work together to decide on a screen time limit. Maybe they can earn extra screen time by completing a chore or playing outside for a certain amount of time.

9. Use parental controls

Set up parental controls on your devices to manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and set bedtime restrictions. Most devices offer a variety of parental control options like Apple. You can restrict access to certain websites or apps, filter content based on age, and even set time limits for specific apps.

You need to find the right balance. Parental controls are a helpful tool, but they shouldn’t be the only solution. Use them in conjunction with other strategies to create a healthy screen time environment.

Consistency is the key when limiting kids’ screen time

Reducing screen time won’t happen overnight. There will be bumps along the road, but be patient and consistent with your approach. When your kids follow the screen time rules, offer positive reinforcement. Praise them for their good choices and celebrate their screen-free accomplishments. Remember, consistency is the key.