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Screen time doesn't have to be a source of guilt or conflict. With clear guidelines and intentional choices, technology can support your child's learning and development while preserving important offline experiences.

American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines

Under 18 months: Avoid screens (except video chatting)

During this critical period, babies learn best through real-world interactions. Their developing brains need face-to-face connection, physical exploration, and sensory experiences.

Exception: Video calls with grandparents or other family members can support bonding and language development.

18-24 months: Watch together, choose high-quality content

If you choose to introduce screens, co-viewing is essential. Your narration and interaction help toddlers understand what they're seeing and make connections to their real world.

Recommended: Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, or other educational programs with simple storylines.

2-5 years: 1 hour per day of high-quality programming

Choose educational content that teaches letters, numbers, social skills, or problem-solving. Co-viewing is still important for helping children process what they see.

Quality markers: Slow pacing, clear educational goals, characters that model positive behavior, minimal advertising.

6+ years: Consistent limits with media-free zones and times

Focus on balancing screen time with sleep, physical activity, and offline play. Set clear boundaries around when and where screens are used.

Consider: No screens during meals, before bedtime, or in bedrooms. Prioritize homework, chores, and family time.

Quality Over Quantity: What Makes Good Screen Time?

High-Quality Content

• Educational programs with learning objectives
• Age-appropriate storylines and language
• Characters who model positive behavior
• Interactive elements that engage thinking
• Slow pacing that allows processing time

Avoid These Types

• Fast-paced videos with quick cuts
• Content with violence or scary themes
• Shows focused on consumerism
• Adult-oriented content
• Overstimulating colors and sounds

Creating Healthy Screen Time Habits

Set Clear Boundaries

Use timers, create visual schedules, and establish screen-free zones (bedrooms, dining room). Consistency helps children know what to expect.

Co-View and Discuss

Watch together when possible. Ask questions about what's happening, relate content to real life, and help children process what they see.

Balance with Active Play

Ensure screen time doesn't replace physical activity, creative play, or social interaction. Aim for a varied day with multiple types of engagement.

Protect Sleep

End screen time at least 1 hour before bedtime. Blue light can interfere with natural sleep rhythms and make it harder to fall asleep.

Practical Implementation Tips

For Younger Children (2-5)

Use visual timers they can understand
Create a "first/then" schedule (first chores, then screen time)
Preview content before they watch
Have transition warnings ("5 more minutes")

For School-Age Children (6+)

Involve them in creating family media rules
Use parental controls and content filters
Discuss online safety and digital citizenship
Model healthy screen habits yourself

Remember: Progress, Not Perfection

These guidelines aren't meant to create guilt or stress. Every family's situation is different, and there will be days when screen time limits get stretched - that's normal and okay.

Focus on the overall pattern rather than perfection every single day. The goal is helping your child develop a healthy relationship with technology that will serve them throughout their life.

💡 Start small: Pick one area to focus on first (like no screens during meals) rather than overhauling everything at once.

Screen Time Guidelines by Age