Screen Time for Kids: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Content medically reviewed by Amy Juelson, MD

Electronic devices are everywhere. Time spent with a screen isn’t all bad, but when it comes to screen time, determining how much is too much isn’t always easy.

In the past, health organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that children spend no more than two hours a day in front of a screen.

Now, we know that these ubiquitous devices can offer benefits to people of all ages, including children. Because of that, guidelines now recommend taking a different approach to screen time for kids instead of following a hard-and-fast rule.

“Technology in today’s world is very different than it was a decade or two ago,” said Dr. Amy Juelson, pediatrician at Essentia Health. “Kids now use electronic devices for everything from playing video games to doing homework to learning new languages, so it’s important to strike a balance between screen time and screen-free time.”

Kids Today & Their Screens

Many children of the 1980s (and even the 90s) spent more hours outside each day than they did using an electronic device. Back then, you might have had access to a TV, a video game system, and a desktop computer.

Today, children have access to computers, tablets, and phones, in addition to smart TVs and gaming consoles. We live in a digital world, and nearly everything requires a device with an internet connection.

As a result, children ages 8 to 12 spend four to six hours a day watching or using screens, while teens spend up to nine hours, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

The Hazards of Too Much Screen Time for Kids

You probably know from personal experience that excessive screen time can negatively affect your mood and harm your health. The same is true for kids. Too much screen time can also affect their growth and development and increase the risk of –

• Academic issues
• Diminished social skills
• Eye problems
• Mental health issues
• Obesity
• Poor self-image
• Sleep problems

Building Screen Time Boundaries for Your Kids

Creating boundaries for screen use can help kids reap the benefits of screens and minimize the risks. Not quite sure where to begin? Start with the tips below.

Consider the 5 C’s

Instead of offering a specific guideline for screen time, the AAP now offers the 5 C’s of media use as a guide for parents –

1. Child. Every child is different, so think about your child, their personality, and the way they use electronic devices.
2. Content. Remember that not all digital content is bad. Instead of broadly limiting screen time, you may want to set limits on specific types of content, such as YouTube videos, streaming TV shows, or video games.
3. Calm. Some children use media to manage their emotions or even to help them fall asleep. If that’s the case with your child, talk with their provider or doctor about alternative options.
4. Crowding out. Excessive screen time can crowd out other activities that can benefit your child’s mind, body, or relationships. Consider what else you could be doing as a family, like spending more time outside together, going places, or building a healthy bedtime routine.
5. Communication. Talk with your child early and often about screen time and how to safely manage time spent watching or using electronics.

Look for a Balance of Activities

The definition of too much screen time can look different for every person, so there’s no set time limit here. Instead, consider your child’s needs for optimal health and well-being —and limit screen time accordingly. The AAP Family Media Plan can help families set priorities together.

The AAP notes that children need between eight and 12 hours of sleep, depending on their age, and at least one hour of physical activity each day. Try to ensure screen time doesn’t keep them from getting either of those necessities.

Model Healthy Screen Use for Your Kids

If you struggle to limit your own device use, you can’t effectively model screen time boundaries for your children. Create boundaries for yourself by putting away your phone when you come home from work and actively engaging with your family. As a family, build in media-free spaces and times, such as not having background TV playing while you’re eating dinner.

Take Age Into Consideration

The AACAP recommends that children younger than 18 months use screens only for video chatting with family and friends, while children between 18 and 24 months can watch educational programming with a parent or another caregiver.

Older children will begin to use electronic devices for many different purposes, so their boundaries will look a little different.

Use Devices With Your Kids

The best way to know what your kids are watching and doing on an electronic device is to watch or do it with them. Whenever possible, the AAP recommends co-viewing or co-playing with your children.