How to set Healthy Screen Time Limits for your Kids? Tips and recommended Screen Time guidelines

October 04, 2023

Finding the right balance between screen time and other activities is very important for your kid's well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends age-appropriate screen time limits to help you out!

Why is it important to limit screen time exposure?

Finding a balance between screen time and other activities promotes:

Physical health:
It's good to find a balance between screen time and getting out there to explore the world for a healthier and active life.

Mental and emotional well-being:
Being glued to the screens can increase stress, anxiety, and even depression in children.

Healthy sleep patterns:
Too much screen time, especially before bedtime, can negatively affect your child's sleep patterns.

Academic success:
Too much screen time can get in the way of homework and reading, which could impact their academic performance.

Social development:
Face to face interactions helps a child develop communication skills, empathy, and relationship-building abilities. When they spend most of the time watching the screen they miss out on these important skills.

Creativity:
Allowing time for screen-free activities encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.

Family bonds:
Excessive screen time can interfere with parent-child bonding. Setting limits on screen use encourages quality time spent together and fosters stronger relationships.

Tips on how to help kids cut down on their screen time

Set Clear Boundaries
It's good to establish clear rules and schedules for screen time. Let your child know when it's appropriate to watch something on the screen and when it's not.
It can be a good idea to designate screen-free zones in your home, such as the dining room and bedrooms, to encourage face-to-face interactions.

Lead by Example
When adults adapt a responsible and balanced screen use, children are more likely to follow and develop similar habits. If you are on your phone all the time or have the TV on the entire day, your child may copy you wanting to be exposed at the screen all the time.
If parents limit their own screen time during family interactions, prioritize face-to-face communication, and engage in a variety of activities beyond screens, their children are more likely to adopt similar behaviors.

Prioritize Quality Content
Make sure your kids to watch educational content appropriate to their age.
Look for interactive and educational apps and games to help them grow and learn.

Encourage Outdoor Play
Let your kids get outdoors engaging in physical activities such us running, jumping, walking and exploring nature.

Promote Reading
Encourage your child to read physical books. Reading not only stimulates imagination but also reduces screen time.

Screen-Free Meals
Make mealtimes screen-free, fostering family conversations and connections.

Recommended Screen Time Guidelines

For children under 18 months

It's recommended to avoid screen time other than video chatting.

Children 18 to 24 months

Introduce high-quality educational apps and programs, and watch and play together. It's important if an adult also watches and interact with the content with them so that they can better understand what they are seeing.

Children 2 to 5 years old

Limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality content. It's recommended that an adult is present to discuss the content you're watching with the child.

Children 6 years old and older

Establish consistent limits on the amount of screen time and ensure it doesn't interfere with their sleep, physical activity, or other healthy behaviors.

Helpful links and resources:

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Jess

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