Children’s Screen Time

Children and Computers

In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced new guidelines for parents concerning their children’s screen time, encouraging limiting their exposure to television and other forms of electronic media. Among the age-related recommendations:

• Children under 18 months old should not be exposed at all, except for video-chatting with distant family members.
• Children from 18 months to 2 years old can be introduced to high quality programs while sitting with and discussing with their parents.
• Children from 2 to 5 years should continue to watch appropriate programs with their parents, no more than 1 hour per day.

School age children and teens should have consistent rules about use of electronic media, including types and time spent. They should be encouraged to have media-free family time, media-free locations in their homes, and adequate sleep and physical activity.

Parents are encouraged to create a Family Media Plan. The Plan will help family members choose and use online media purposefully, without taking the place of physical exercise, family-oriented time or sleep.

More specific guidance for parents of children under age 5 and for school-age children and teens is available.