Your Kids & Screens

Children and adolescents spend a lot of time on screens. (Adults too!) On average, U.S. children 8-18 years old often spend greater than 5 hours a day watching or using screens. While screens can entertain, teach, and keep children occupied, too much use may lead to serious consequences.

Too much screen time or viewing of inappropriate content may lead to issues like:

Sleep difficulty

Lower grades

Less time with others

Decreased time outdoors 

Decreased physical activity

Weight problems

Mood problems

Early exposure to age-inappropriate material

Poor self-image and body image issues

Depression and anxiety

In the struggle to manage screen time, please consider the following guidelines as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Until 18 months of age, limit screen use to video chatting with an adult (for example, with a parent who is out of town, virtual visits with grandma, etc.).

• Between 18- and 24-months, screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver.

• For children 2-5, limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours per weekend day.

• For ages 6 and older, encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens.

In general:

• Turn off all screens during family meals and outings.

• Use parental controls.

• Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums.

• Turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30-60 mins before bedtime.

• Try to accept that screens are here to stay and that they can offer many positives. It’s never too early to discuss screen media habits and experiences as a family. Let your children share their ideas and concerns.

For children 10 and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics has shifted away from strict, specific daily hour limits. Instead, it encourages prioritizing the quality and context of screen time over quantity and suggests the following:

• Create a Family Media Plan by setting expectations together as a family. 

• Prioritize Balance: Ensure screen time does not interfere with adequate sleep, physical activity, and in-person interaction.

• Establish Curfew & Screen-Free Zones: Keep bedrooms, mealtimes, and family outings device-free. Avoid screens at least one hour before bedtime.

• Quality Content & Mentorship: Focus on educational or meaningful interactive content over passive entertainment and co-view or co-play when possible.

• Teach "Digital Citizenship": Actively teach digital literacy and safety, helping children handle social situations and privacy

Additionally:

• Carefully consider it your child is mature enough before allowing access to a new device.

• Familiarize yourself with the content your child sees to make sure it is age-appropriate.

• Talk to your child about what they are seeing. Point out positive things they are viewing such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others.

• Be aware of advertising and how it influences choices.

• Encourage your child to engage in other activities that do not involve screens, such as sports, music, art, and hobbies.

• Set a good example with your own healthy screen habits.

• Teach children about online privacy and safety.

• Encourage using screens in ways that build creativity and connection with family and friends.

• Consider your child or teen’s maturity and habits. The right plan for one family may not be a good fit for another.

• And remember! Positive and healthy screen use is possible with proper guidance and consistency.

If you'd like support in this area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sina today.