When you’re taking care of a child, it can be all too easy to set them in front of a computer or iPad while you take a little “me time.” Health and child development experts including The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offer the following guidelines for screen time by age.
Birth to 18 Months
- Avoid screen time as much as possible.
- Children this young don’t really understand what they’re seeing on a screen, so screen time has few developmental benefits for them.
- Video-chatting with relatives is acceptable.
18 to 24 Months
- Limit screen time to watching educational programming with a caregiver.
- Carefully select what you want your child to be watching.
- Avoid placing your child in front of a screen to stop a tantrum or keep them busy while you’re doing something.
2 to 5 Years
- Limit use of electronic devices to an hour per day during the school week. More time can be allotted during the weekends.
- Watch movies and shows or play games with your child to help them understand what they are seeing.
6 and Older
- Limit your child’s time spent in front of a screen, though the time can vary depending on the child and their age.
- Learn how to use parental controls to curate your child’s media experience.
- Teach your child about internet safety, especially if they use social media.
All Ages
- Have your child turn off their electronic devices one hour before sleeping, or keep them out of their room. Blue light exposure can have negative effects on sleep.
- Discourage the use of electronics during meals or family gatherings.
- Do not place extreme limits on screen time or media consumption—this may encourage kids to be sneaky about their usage of electronics.
