As a parent, understanding the appropriate amount of screen time for your child and choosing the right content can be challenging. While screens are an inevitable part of modern life, it’s important to ensure they are used in a way that supports your child’s development. This guide provides clear recommendations on screen time limits by age, along with insights on what content to watch and what to avoid based on extensive research.
Recommended screen time by age
Here are the recommended screen time limits from various health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
| Age | Max Time per Day | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 0-18 months | Avoid screen time | Except for video chatting to connect with family members; focus on direct interaction. |
| 18-24 months | Very limited | If introduced, only use high-quality content and co-view with your child to aid understanding. |
| 2-5 years | 1 hour | Prioritize educational content; co-viewing is still recommended. |
| 5+ years | 2 hours | Ensure screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or other healthy behaviors. |
What to watch: recommended content
When screen time is used, the quality of content is crucial. High-quality, educational programs and apps can provide positive developmental benefits for your child. Below are some recommended options based on research:
| Content | Reason | Study |
|---|---|---|
| Sesame Street | Language, social skills | Effects of Sesame Street on Young Children’s Development (2001) |
| Blue’s Clues | Problem-solving, interaction | The Impact of Blue’s Clues on Preschool Children’s Thinking (1999) |
| Dora the Explorer | Bilingual skills, cognitive growth | The Educational Impact of Dora the Explorer (2008) |
| Arthur | Social, emotional development | Television Viewing and Children’s Social Development (2007) |
| Ms. Rachel’s Songs for Littles | Language development, interaction | University of Washington Language Development Study (2022) |
| Endless Alphabet (App) | Vocabulary building | Interactive Apps and Preschool Vocabulary Development (2014) |
| Peekaboo Barn (App) | Early vocabulary, interactive play | The Role of Interactive Media in Early Childhood Learning (2015) |
| PBS Kids Games (App) | Educational, improved cognitive skills | Educational Media Exposure and Cognitive Development (2012) |
| Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood | Emotional resilience, empathy | The Emotional Impact of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (1995) |
| Super Why! | Literacy, reading skills | Super Why! and Early Literacy Development in Children (2010) |
| Video Chatting with Family | Social engagement, recognition | Effects of Video Chatting on Infant Social Development (2016) |
What to avoid: not recommended content
Some types of content have been associated with negative outcomes, such as attention problems, sleep disruption, and reduced cognitive skills. Below is a table summarizing content that studies have advised against:
| Content | Reason | Study |
|---|---|---|
| SpongeBob SquarePants | Fast-paced, attention issues | The Impact of Fast-Paced Cartoons on Children’s Attention (2011) |
| Power Rangers | Aggression, fast-paced action | Television Violence and Children’s Behavior: Power Rangers (1996) |
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Sleep disruption, overstimulation | Media Use and Child Sleep Patterns (2007) |
| Cocomelon | Passive consumption, repetitive | The Effects of Repetitive and Passive Content on Toddlers (2020) |
| YouTube Kids (unregulated content) | Overstimulation, non-interactive | Screen Overload: The Risks of Unregulated YouTube Content (2018) |
| Tom and Jerry | Violence, fast-paced | Violence in Cartoons: The Case of Tom and Jerry (2004) |
| Family Guy | Inappropriate themes for children | Inappropriate Content in Primetime Cartoons: Family Guy (2006) |
| Some action-packed cartoons | Attention issues, fast-paced visuals | Fast-Paced Media and Its Impact on Children’s Cognitive Development (2011) |
| Commercial TV (unsupervised) | Exposure to ads, non-educational content | The Influence of Unsupervised Commercial TV on Children (2009) |
These programs and videos have been linked to potential negative effects, such as attention problems, aggressive behavior, or reduced cognitive growth. Fast-paced shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and Power Rangers can overstimulate young minds, leading to attention issues. Content with adult themes, such as Family Guy, should also be avoided for young children due to inappropriate material.
Research and studies on screen time
Several studies have explored the effects of screen time on children, providing insights into the best practices:
- Language Development: The University of Washington Language Development Study (2022) found that infants exposed to language-rich, interactive programs like Ms. Rachel’s Songs for Littles had better vocabulary outcomes compared to those who watched less interactive, passive media.
- Cognitive Development: The Educational Media Exposure and Cognitive Development (2012) study showed that children who watched educational content such as PBS Kids Games (App) had improved cognitive skills and school readiness compared to peers who watched non-educational programming.
- Sleep Disruption: The study Media Use and Child Sleep Patterns (2007) highlighted how exposure to fast-paced and overstimulating content, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, could disrupt sleep patterns due to the excitement and blue light emitted by screens.
My screen time mantra: only when necessary
As a mom, I know how hectic things can get, and sometimes screen time becomes a necessary tool to keep things under control. My mantra is to use screen time only when I’m in desperate need. For example:
- Quick bathroom breaks: Sometimes, when I need to run to the bathroom and can’t leave my daughter unattended, I turn on the screen for a short period.
- Dinner out with friends: When we’re dining out and my daughter becomes very impatient, I use screen time to keep her entertained. This allows us to enjoy our meal without a meltdown.
- Dealing with meltdowns: Occasionally, my daughter has meltdowns due to hunger (basically when she’s hangry) while I’m still cooking and the food isn’t ready yet. Instead of giving her milk or crackers that could spoil her appetite, I put on a screen to distract her. This gives me the time I need to finish preparing the meal.
When I do resort to screen time, I always choose content that I know will be helpful for her, like Ms. Rachel’s Songs for Littles. She actively engages with the program—dancing, repeating words, and singing along. I’ve even learned some of the songs myself, and we sing them together, turning screen time into an interactive experience.
Practical tips for managing screen time
- Set clear boundaries: Establish screen time rules that fit within the recommended guidelines. Consistency is key to ensuring screen time does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or family time.
- Choose content wisely: Opt for high-quality, educational content that is age-appropriate and encourages interaction. Prioritize programs and apps that support developmental milestones.
- Engage with your child: Whenever possible, co-view or play along with your child. This not only helps them understand the content better but also provides an opportunity for bonding.
- Encourage alternatives: Offer plenty of opportunities for non-screen activities like reading, playing outdoors, or engaging in creative play. These activities are crucial for holistic development.
- Be a role model: Children learn by example, so try to model healthy screen habits yourself. Limiting your own screen time and engaging in other activities can set a positive example for your child.
