Screen time can be a divisive topic for parents. While there’s no denying we live in a generation of iPad children, there’s also no doubt that most of us have too many screens in our—and our children’s—lives.

Screens and devices are unavoidable, but how much is too much for young children? And how can you make sure that screen time is a positive experience for your child?

In this post, we’ll:

• Share expert screen time recommendations
• Help you develop your own family media plan
• Offer tips for healthy screen time use

“It’s really important to develop a family-based media plan on how you’re going to monitor what media your child is interacting with,” Dr. Ryan Padrez, pediatrician and associate professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, told Vivvi.

Dr. Padrez, who is also a father to three, says screen time isn’t all bad. In fact, screens are becoming proven tools in teaching language and numeracy to young children.

Moderation is key here, he says. 

“The positive side for screen-based media is some emerging evidence that kids even as young as two can start to learn language and words from things like video chatting,” Dr. Padrez said. “And it’s based upon a really robust literature that high-quality educational-based screen time with preschool age kids particularly can teach skills like literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.”

Screen Time by the Numbers

Still, research shows children and teens spend a lot of time watching screens, whether it’s on phones, tablets, gaming consoles, TVs, or computers.

On average, children between the ages of eight and 12 spend four to six hours a day watching or using screens, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). Teens spend up to 9 hours.

Screen Time Guidelines

So how much should they be watching?

Children under the age of two should have no screen time, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The AAP’s guidance continues, stating children ages two to five should have no more than one hour of screen time per day.

And what should they be watching?

For children in that two-to-five-years-old category, experts at the AAP say caregivers should limit non-educational screen time—we’re talking CocoMelon—to one hour per weekday and three hours on weekend days.

Family Media Plan

The Family Media Plan was designed to help families make wise media choices. The AAP recommends parents and caregivers develop a plan that takes into account the health, education and entertainment needs of each individual child—as well as the whole family.. Follow the plan together, revising when necessary.  

The AAP’s Family Media Plan includes:

• A list of media priorities to choose from
• Practical tips to help make the plan work
• Why it’s important
• The ability to print or share your finished plan
• The ​option to save your plan and return as often as you’d like to make changes

Vivvi’s 6 Screen Time Tips

Outside of the Family Media Plan, you can try these helpful tips at home, in real-life situations.

“When it comes to household rules around technology use, there is evidence that rules focusing on content, co-viewing and communication are associated with better well-being outcomes than rules focused on screen time,” writes the AAP encouragingly.

1. Set limits

Time limits shouldn’t be your focus, but make a clear decision on how much screen time is acceptable in your family.

And worth noting: the AAP recommends children under the age of 2 have no screen time, and children ages 2 to 3 have no more than one hour of screen time per day.

For some children, setting a timer for screen time may be helpful. For others this may cause anxiety and a simple two-episodes-of-Bluey-today will suffice.

2. Choose quality content

Not all screen time is created equal. Choose the programs your child spends their screen time with wisely. Educational videos and games should trump CocoMelon, and age-appropriate is a must. We recommend no unaccompanied YouTube-ing.

3. Make screen time a shared experience

Watch shows with your child and talk about what’s happening. This will help your child learn from the experience and make it a more enjoyable bonding time.

Take this opportunity to talk to your child about what they’re watching. Ask them what they like about the show and what they’ve learned. Encourage using screens in ways that build creativity and connection.

4. Set a good example

Children learn by watching what you do. If you want your child to limit their screen time, be prepared to do the same. Start carrying a book and allow your children to see you reading as an alternative to your screen use.

5. Screen-free zones

There are some places where we just don’t need screens. One: the dinner table. The AACAP recommends setting down all devices during family meals and outings. We recommend taking that time to focus on the moment of being together.

Another place to limit screens: the bedroom. Keeping screens out of the bedroom signifies to your child the bedroom is a quiet place for sleeping and gentle play. We’ve all been targeted on Instagram by blue-lens glasses late at night. The same blue light can affect your child. Leading child sleep experts recommend no screens at least 3 hours before bed if you want your child to get high quality sleep.

6. Encourage movement

We all need quiet time every now and then, but the majority of your young child’s day should be spent learning and developing. And for little ones that means physically!

Integrate movement in your child’s daily life and encourage active time away from screens. Encourage your child to be active by taking them to age-appropriate workout classes with you, having dance parties together, or going on short hikes.

Screen time can be a positive experience for young children, but it’s important to use it wisely. By incorporating these tips and creating your own boundaries when needed, you can help your child make the most of screen time.