Managing kids' screen time: Finding the right balance

As parents in today's digital world, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how much screen time is appropriate for our kids. We want them to be tech-savvy but not consumed by television, tablets, and smartphones. So what's the sweet spot?

In a nutshell - we recommend no screens for kids under 2 years old, 1 hour or less of supervised play and entertainment on screens (TV or phone) for 2 to 5 year olds and no more than 2 hours for kids 6 and up.

We base our recommendations on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines. The AAP discourage any media use for children under 2 years old. The only exception is video calling or Facetiming friends and relatives together to keep in touch.

For older kids aged 2-5, the AAP recommends limiting screen time to just 1 hour per day of high-quality programming. For kids 6 and up, they suggest limiting recreational screen time to 1-2 hours per day. There are fewer concrete guidelines as kids get older but our recommendation is no more than 2 hours per day gaming or on social media.

Recently the AAP released new flexible recommendations called the Five C’s of Media Use. These 5 C’s are based on the child, the content, ways to calm down, what media is crowding out and ongoing communication. The 5 C's guidance starts with information about the developmental stages kids are going through and how this influences media use. It’s designed to take into account the child’s overall well-being.

But why is limiting screen time so important?

Excessive screen time has been linked to obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral issues, impaired academic performance, desensitization to violence, and less time for creative play and activity. Those are some serious potential downsides, right?

Like any habit, excessive screen time can be hard to stop. But over time and with consistency, you’ll see the benefits.

It’s important to be proactive about monitoring screen time and setting reasonable limits.

Here are some practical tips on limiting screen time for your family:

  • Decide the screen time rules in advance and involve your kids in the conversation. Be sure to include TV, video games, tablets, and smartphones as “screens”. Many families have different screen time limits for weekdays and weekends. Make sure your kids understand the rules and consequences. You may want to use a timer or app to help track time.

  • Stick to the rules long-term (this is hard but you can do it!)

    • One rule many families make is to leave phones behind in another room at dinner time, so phones don’t disrupt connection time.

  • Make bedrooms a screen-free zone, especially at night. No electronics overnight!

  • Don't allow TV, computers, or video games in kids' bedrooms. This makes it too tempting to keep using them and can disrupt sleep.

  • Turn off the TV when it’s just on in the background

  • Preview shows, movies, games, and apps before allowing them. Use Common Sense Media to research the content of movies, games, TV shows, books, etc. Opt for high-quality, educational, age-appropriate content. When possible, watch shows together so you can discuss them. Shows with unexpected questionable content can become a great conversation starter when you’re watching together.

  • This may seem counterintuitive, but play videogames together, instead of letting them play with people they may or may not know. This lets your child show you their world and what they love and you’re building connection.

  • Help kids plug into other activities - make sure your kids have plenty of time and opportunities for physical activity, creative play, reading, homework, chores, and family time away from screens

  • Encourage kids to get outside at least an hour a day

  • Readjust as necessary - many families relax some of the rules over summer, then need to readjust expectations in the fall. Keep your focus on how your child is doing overall and readjust as you need to or as you see your good screen time habits slipping.

It’s never easy to change ingrained habits, but limiting recreational screen time, whether it’s gaming or scrolling, is so beneficial for you and your kids' connection with each other, as well as their physical, emotional, and intellectual development. Start with small changes, but stick with it. Your kids will be better for it in the long run.

Finding the right balance with screen time fun is an important part of raising healthy, happy kids in our digital age. With some planning and persistence, you can manage their screen time effectively and over the long-term, help them develop healthy habits.

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