Finding a Healthy Balance with Screen Time

Screens are everywhere - TVs, tablets, phones, smartwatches and computers. For kids, screen time can be fun and educational, but too much of it may affect their development and daily routines.

Why Screen Time Matters

Screens aren’t all bad, but kids learn best through movement, play, and face-to-face interaction.

When screen time replaces these activities, it may impact:

● Fine and gross motor development

● Attention span and self-regulation

● Sleep and eating routines

● Social interaction and communication skills

What’s the Right Amount?

● Under 18 months: Avoid screens (except for video chatting)

● 18–24 months: Limited, high-quality content with an adult

● 2–5 years: 1 hour/day max, co-watched with an adult

● 6+ years: Set consistent limits to support healthy routines

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), screen time routines ensure that screen use doesn’t replace sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Tips for caregivers

● Create screen-free routines, especially at mealtimes and before bed.

● Replace screen time with sensory play, crafts, or movement activities.

● If screens are used, co-view and discuss the content to support learning and connection.

● Notice if your child becomes more irritable or overstimulated after screen time - that’s a

cue to scale back.

Screen time can be part of a healthy routine when balanced with active, hands-on learning and meaningful interaction.

Resources

Hill, D., Ameenuddin, N., Chassiakos, Y. R., Cross, C., Hutchinson, J., Levine, A., Boyd,

R., Mendelson, R., Moreno, M., & Swanson, W. S. (2016). Media and young minds.

PEDIATRICS, 138(5). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2591