Managing screen time isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for a toddler won’t work for a teenager. Here’s an age-by-age guide to help you navigate the ever-changing world of screen time.

Toddlers (18-24 months)

For this age group, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time to video-chatting with an adult. If you do want to introduce digital media, choose high-quality programming and watch it with your child to help them understand what they’re seeing. Avoid solo screen time for this age group.

Preschoolers (2-5 years)

The AAP recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programming. Co-viewing is still important at this age, as it helps children understand the content and apply it to the world around them. Encourage a variety of activities, both online and off, to promote healthy development.

School-Aged Children (6-12 years)

As children get older, it’s important to have ongoing conversations about screen time and digital citizenship. Create a family media plan that includes rules about when, where, and for how long screens can be used. Make sure that screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other activities that are essential for health and well-being.

Teenagers (13-18 years)

For teenagers, the focus should be on teaching them to self-regulate their screen time. Have open and honest conversations about the content they are viewing and the importance of a healthy digital-life balance. Encourage them to be mindful of their screen time and to take breaks when they need to. It’s also important to talk to them about online safety, privacy, and cyberbullying.

Tips for All Ages

No matter how old your children are, there are some general guidelines that can help you manage screen time in your family:

• Be a good role model: Your children are watching you. Model the behavior you want to see.
• Create screen-free zones and times: Designate certain areas of your home and times of the day as screen-free.
• Encourage other activities: Make sure that your children are engaging in a variety of activities, both online and off.
• Keep an open dialogue: Talk to your children about screen time on a regular basis. This will help them develop a healthy relationship with technology that will last a lifetime.

By following these age-appropriate guidelines, you can help your children navigate the digital world in a safe and healthy way.

Picked up an app for 5 mins and ended up scrolling for hours? ScreenTimer helps you set timer when opening app.