Screen Time Recommendations for Children

The following screen time limits are the current guidelines, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

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

  • 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 on the weekend days.

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

  • Turn off all screens during family meals and outings.

  • Learn about and use parental controls.

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

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