Truth about kids and screen time: What experts recommend
What amount of screen time is too much for children? (photo: magnific)
Smartphones, tablets, and computers have become part of children's everyday lives, but moderation matters. When gadgets start negatively affecting sleep, learning, and mental health—here's what you should know, according to the Cleveland Clinic website.
Recommended screen time depends on age
Pediatrician and MD Noah Schwartz says screen time may include:
- Watching TV
- Playing computer or video games
- Scrolling social media
- Watching videos
- Reading news on a tablet.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that children now use devices for schoolwork, exploring interests, communicating with friends, and more. That's why it's important to consider why and how they use technology to determine whether they're using it too much.
General recommendations are:
- Up to 18 months: Aim to minimize screen time or avoid it entirely
- 18 months to 5 years: Encourage no more than one hour of high-quality content per day; watch together whenever possible
- Age 5 and older: Focus less on strict time limits and more on balance. Screen time should not replace sleep, exercise, homework, family time, or in-person social interaction.
Negative effects
An appropriate amount of screen time is unlikely to interfere with a child's development. But spending hours on a tablet can create problems, especially when digital entertainment becomes the main activity.
Social and language development
Children learn to speak and recognize social cues through interactions with parents and other real people. Devices cannot replace this stage of development.
Young children need interaction and emotional connection to develop language and learn social signals.
Sleep
Stimulating content and screen light can make it harder for children to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Sleep is extremely important for growing children, but screens provide constant stimulation—especially when used shortly before bedtime. Experts recommend avoiding devices for at least one hour before sleep.
Physical activity
Time spent on devices often means less time moving and being physically active.
Children need exercise to build muscles, develop coordination, and grow properly. Excessive screen time may also lead to mindless snacking and unhealthy eating habits.
Mental health
Excessive screen use and social media exposure are linked to higher rates of mental health concerns, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bullying behavior.
Content quality also matters. Social media feeds, endless scrolling, and videos can expose children to unhealthy and age-inappropriate material.
Alternatives to gadgets
Children do not need complicated plans or lengthy activities to help reduce screen time. You can try:
- Going outside: Take a walk, visit a playground, ride bikes, or explore a local park
- Reading together: Books provide entertainment, support language development, and create quality family time
- Games and puzzles: Board games, building blocks, and puzzles help develop creativity and problem-solving skills.
If children do use devices, make it a more intentional experience by:
- Watching shows together when possible and discussing what you watched
- Creating screen-free times and spaces, such as family meals and before bedtime
- Modeling healthy device habits yourself. If you want them to put down their phones, be willing to do the same.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
