Screen Time and Kids: How Much Screen Time is Too Much?
Did you know that up to 75% of young children have a tablet or cell phone? According to some studies, kids between eight and 10 spend an average of six hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day, and those between 11 and 14 years old spend about nine hours in front of a screen. Even younger kids report spending at least two hours on average daily, which can be detrimental to development. While these numbers are high, the question is this: how much screen time is too much? Here, we'll go over everything you know about screen time and kids, from adverse effects to suggestions on reducing exposure.
What is a Healthy Amount of Screen Time?
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), healthy screen time for children and adolescents varies by age.
It's recommended that children under 24 months avoid screen time altogether, except for the occasional video call with family or friends. If the content is high-quality, educational, and viewed alongside a caregiver who explains what's happening, children 18 to 24 months may have very limited screen time.
For preschoolers aged 2 to 5 years, screen time should be limited to one hour a day of high-quality educational programming, emphasizing interactive and educational content.
As children age, it's important to balance screen use and other activities like physical play, homework, and sleep. For school-aged children and teens, the focus shifts toward ensuring that screen time doesn’t interfere with essential activities like family time, social interactions, and a healthy sleep routine. Setting consistent limits (e.g., two hours a day on non-school-related screen time) and encouraging media use that aligns with family values and promotes learning is key to maintaining a healthy balance.
Excessive Screen Time and Child Development?
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association of Pediatrics found that too much screen time may be associated with developmental delays in young children. These findings are consistent with several others, especially regarding the correlation between developmental issues and screen use. Some of the various ways that a child's screen time can impact their development include the following.
Creates a Sort of Tunnel Vision That Reduces Real-World Observations
Typically, young children learn through exposure to external stimuli and the world around them. Screens can diminish these learning opportunities and instead create a sense of tunnel vision that blocks everything else out. Even if the screen is in the background, young children may be tempted to stare at the bright colors and moving shapes, focusing on those rather than the people or toys around them. Plus, studies have shown that children under two will not learn from a video that shows another person performing a task like they would in person.
Decreases Opportunities for Sensory Learning
Another part of early childhood development is sensory learning—manipulating objects and engaging all five senses. Screens are not sensory learning opportunities. The same mentality mentioned above applies here. Children don't learn things from videos; they learn from real life. For example, a young child won't learn to stack blocks if they watch someone on a screen do it. They learn through touch, texture, weight, and trial and error.
Limits Reciprocal Dialogue Needed for Language Development
Finally, even if your child is watching something with basic language, screens typically cause more harm than good regarding language development. Children tend to learn speech and language best when they're being engaged with and interacting with others. They need reciprocal dialogue to develop an understanding of language and social interactions. Passive listening does not help as much during the early years, so turn off the TV and talk to your child.
Other Issues That Are Connected to Children's Screen Time
Developmental issues can be serious, but they aren't the only problems that screens cause. It's been found that screen time in children younger than 18 can contribute to several things, such as:
- Irregular sleep problems
- Childhood obesity
- Behavioral problems
- Mood problems
- Poor self-image or problems with body image
- Struggles with academic performance
- Reading fewer books
- Potential violent outbursts
- Inability to learn healthy coping mechanisms from calming activities
8 Tips to Help Your Kids Manage Screen Time
Unfortunately, it can be hard to avoid using screens in today's world, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. You can do several things to positively impact your children's health that don't involve electronic devices. There are also several small, actionable ways to reduce screen time throughout the house. Some of the best ways to help include the following:
1. Reduce the Urge to Turn on the TV as Background Noise
Many families are accustomed to keeping the TV on for background noise, which can easily lead to unnecessary screen exposure. Even if your child isn’t actively watching, the bright visuals and sounds can distract them from playing or engaging in other activities. Instead, try playing soft music or enjoying the sounds of the household to maintain a calm atmosphere without relying on screens.
2. Create Screen-Free Times and Zones
Designating screen-free times, like during meals or before bedtime, can help create healthier habits. Likewise, establishing screen-free zones, such as the dining room, kitchen, or bedroom, encourages your child to focus on interactions with family members and reduces the likelihood of screen use becoming part of their everyday routine. These boundaries teach kids the importance of being present and fully engaged.
3. Don't Eat Meals in Front of a Screen
Meal times are perfect opportunities for family bonding and discussing your day. Watching TV or playing on devices during meals can detract from these important moments and lead to overeating. Keeping screens off during meals can foster a healthier relationship with food and encourage meaningful conversations.
4. Use Timed Programs for Watching TV
If your child has a favorite show, use it as a time-limited activity. Opt for specific programs with clear start and end times rather than allowing continuous viewing. Timed programs make it easier to enforce boundaries and help your child understand that screen time has limits. Once the show ends, encourage them to transition to another activity. If you're using streaming platforms, stick to one episode at a time to avoid creating a habit of binge-watching.
5. Encourage Active TV if Possible
When screen time is unavoidable, look for ways to make it more interactive. For example, find shows or games encouraging physical activity, singing, or problem-solving. This way, your child remains engaged and physically active rather than passively sitting for extended periods.
6. Use Apps for Limiting Screen Time
Various apps exist to help parents set daily screen limits for their kids. These apps can block access to certain features once the time is up, allowing you to control how long your child spends on devices without monitoring them constantly. These tools can be particularly helpful for older children and teens needing more independence.
7. Maintain Screen-Related Limits as They Get Older
Children may try to negotiate more screen time as they get older, but maintaining boundaries is important even during adolescence. Encourage activities like reading, outdoor sports, or hobbies to keep screen use in check. Consistency is vital in helping teens develop good habits that will carry over into adulthood.
8. Plan Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family
One of the best ways to reduce screen time is to offer fun alternatives. Planning outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or trips to the park provides a change of scenery and encourages physical exercise. Making it a family affair also allows everyone to disconnect from screens and enjoy time together in nature. When you add in fun day trips or exciting adventures outdoors, you may even create a family tradition that your children will cherish long into adulthood.
Always check any program, game, or app before allowing your child to download and engage with it. There are a lot of weird and inappropriate things on the internet that your children should not be exposed to. Set parental guidelines when possible and supervise anything you aren't sure about.
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