Screens are everywhere, whether it is TVs, laptops, smartphones, or gaming consoles; people are digitally connected. Screens can be a great resource for entertainment and learning, but excessive use can impact their physical, mental and emotional well-being. So parents often struggle to find a balance between screen time and real-world engagement. While avoiding screens altogether is impossible in this era, establishing boundaries and setting healthy limits around use can help your child develop better focus, develop better habits and enjoy a meaningful real-world experience. Here you can learn why it is essential to reduce screen time, what the screen time guidelines are by age and tips and tricks to enforce them.
Screen time is the time an individual spends on a device for entertainment, education or social interaction. This usage can have negative consequences for their emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Here is a breakdown of the effect of the screen by age:
● For kids younger than five years, it can adversely impact their weight, cognitive and motor development and social and psychological well-being.
● In children between 5 and 17 years, it may lead to weight and diet issues, anxiety, attention deficit, behavioural problems, impact on psychological health and self-esteem.
There are advantages to screen usage, too, and children benefit from educational videos and apps. To help their child live an active lifestyle, parents should encourage a balance between screen time and physical activities. Below are expert-recommended screen time limits by age.
There is no recommended screen time for children under 2 years of age. Children under 2 should not have any exposure to screens, including you using your phone around your child or you watching TV while he/she is playing in front of you, as it can distract them. There is a scientific reason for this. At this stage, the baby’s brain is developing rapidly, and they need to learn from human behaviour, face-to-face interaction, real-life experiences and active playtime with parents.
Even passive screen time can impair emotional attachment and delay language development. The only exception for children below 18 months is video calls with friends and family. Children aged between 18 and 24 months can watch high-quality content for a brief time under strict parental supervision.
Children aged 2 to 5 years should have no more than an hour of screen time a day. Parents should supervise each viewing session and ensure it focuses on age-appropriate, high-quality content. It is recommended that parents show content designed for learning and discuss it. The priority should be parental interaction with children this age, rather than using devices, which are addictive and reduce creativity. Excessive screen usage can affect their social development, attention span, physical activity and imaginative play, which are critical at this stage and hence limiting usage is essential. Toddlers should experience active play, storytelling and hands-on learning.
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Experts recommend clear boundaries around screen time, with physical activity of more than an hour and adequate sleep of 9-12 hours every night. Students of this age group use screens for entertainment and schoolwork, so parents must separate learning (productive screen time) from scrolling and gaming. Overall, the screen time should not exceed two hours a day. Digital screens look appealing to kids this age and may lead to addiction, disrupt sleep, social relationships and academic achievements, so it is critical to set boundaries to prevent overuse. Parents must support reading, family bonding and outdoor time to maintain a healthy schedule.
Screens are central to teens' learning and social life. Yet the adverse effects of excessive screen time on emotional and mental well-being are well documented, so parents should promote open conversations about the need for balance among homework, sleep and recreational screen time. Work with your teens to define how long they should use them, where they can use them, and what content they can consume.
Focus on physical activity of more than an hour and no more than two hours of recreational screen use, and sleep of 8-10 hours. Studies show that increased screen time is linked with increased anxiety, poor sleep and decreased physical movement. Find a way to maintain a balance between physical realities and digital experiences.
● Set screen time by age: The amount of screen time your child spends should depend on their age. For example, if your child is very young, he/she should have a strict time limit, whereas an older child can take some responsibility for their own screen time as long as guidance is provided.
● Put together a plan: Talk it over with your family, and agree on screen time rules that apply to all of you with no exceptions.
● Choose quality over quantity: Parents should look for games and activities that promote creativity and learning. Co-viewing can create a stronger bond and build trust with your child.
● Designate times and tech-free zones: Set aside a time as tech-free time and an area, like a bedroom, to encourage conversations and connection-building.
● Be an example: Children learn from parents, so parents should follow healthy screen habits so that children can learn by example.
● Encouraging alternative activities: Parents could help their children find enjoyable activities that don’t require any screens. Sports and creative activities are great ways to develop a child’s skills and foster a sense of accomplishment.
● Talk about it: Explain why rules for screen time are important for their health and overall growth.5
● Set time management using timers or parental controls: Parental Controls or timers can be used to prevent access to inappropriate content and to set kids' screen time limits.
● Difficulty Falling Asleep: When children have trouble falling asleep or waking up exhausted after adequate sleep hours, it indicates excess screen time, especially before bedtime.
● Inattention: A child who seems distracted throughout their day may also indicate that screens are overstimulating them.
● Declining academic achievement: Excessive screen time has been shown to affect academic performance.
● Irritability: Anxiety, tantrums or frustration when the screen is taken away may show dependency.
● Disinterest in activities: Avoids reading, hobbies, and outdoor play.
● Isolation: Children seek comfort in being around technology/screens, rather than socialising with their friends and family.
If you notice any of these signs, it is time to have an open conversation about screen use.
Screen use has become a normal part of childhood today. Parents can help their children learn, develop and be successful without any adverse effects by controlling their screen time with healthy age-appropriate rules, expectations and parental guidance for healthy screen time habits. Parents should support their children in engaging in physical activity, family time, and real experiences. Screen use can both entertain and educate children; however, balance is crucial.
Yes. Screen time is harmful for babies and toddlers, as it can lead to developmental delays in speech and cognition.
Recreational screen time for teens should not exceed 2 hours per day.Recreational screen time for teens should not exceed 2 hours per day.
Parents can reduce excessive screen time by setting screen limits, creating screen-free zones, encouraging alternative activities and leading by example with their own screen time.
No screens should be used before bedtime, as they make falling asleep difficult, disrupt sleep patterns, and leave children feeling exhausted and irritable.
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