Screen Time Recommendations by Age

The answer depends on your child’s age and stage. While some media use can be educational or social, too much can affect sleep, focus, and emotional health. That’s why groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics offer clear, screen time recommendations by age.

In the sections below, you’ll find simple, expert-backed tips to help your child build healthy screen habits — without making devices the enemy.

Infants (0–18 months): How to Make Screen Time Work When It's Needed

For babies under 18 months, no screen time is best — except for video chatting with family. And yes, that includes shows that call themselves “educational.”

At this age, babies learn by looking at real faces, not gadgets. Eye contact, facial expressions, and hearing your voice help them understand the world. AAP discourages media use for this group because gadgets can interrupt bonding and slow down speech development.

Even though the American academy of pediatrics discourages media use for children under 18 months, there’s one important exception: video chatting with close family members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many babies "met" grandparents for the first time through a screen. And that’s still a common reality for military families, long-distance relatives, or busy schedules.

But here’s the thing — just putting a baby in front of a phone or laptop isn’t enough.

How to do video chat the right way:

• Hold your baby during the call. Let them see your face too — this helps them connect what's happening on screen to the real world.
  
• Name the people, they are seeing. Say things like, “Look, it’s Grandma!” or “There’s Uncle David waving to you.”
  
• React to the chat. If Grandpa is singing a song, sing along. If Auntie is clapping, help your baby clap. You’re building a social bridge between the baby and the screen.
  
• Keep it short. Babies this age can’t focus for long. A few minutes here and there are more than enough.
  
• Avoid passive video time. Don’t leave the video call running in the background. Make it an intentional, interactive moment.
  

Think of it as face-to-face time with extra help — not solo media time.

But What About “Educational” Videos?

You’ve probably seen videos labeled as “educational” for babies — soft music, floating shapes, or slow-moving animals with voiceovers. Some of them are even promoted as baby brain boosters. But here’s what research says:

There’s no strong evidence that these kinds of videos help babies under 18 months learn better. In fact, too much screen exposure at this age may delay language and attention development.

If you really want to show a video:

• Choose content that moves slowly and has simple visuals — avoid flashing lights or fast cuts.
  
• Pick videos that model real-life interactions — like singing nursery rhymes, peek-a-boo, or naming body parts.
  
• Watch together. The most important “educational feature” isn’t the screen — it’s you. Babies learn by watching your reactions and hearing your voice.

Toddlers (18–24 months): Real-Life Use and Smart Screen Habits

Let’s be honest — parenting a toddler is a full-contact sport. And sometimes, whether you’re at the pediatrician’s office, standing in line at the pharmacy, or trying to finish checkout with a melting-down toddler in tow, the tablet or phone feels like a lifeline.

Is it okay to hand over a device in those moments? Yes — as long as it’s the exception, not the norm. These are called “situational screens” — and they’re different from passive media use at home. Life happens. Parents aren’t robots, and you don’t need to feel guilty every time a gadget helps you out of a tough spot.

That said, for kids aged 18 to 24 months, the AAP recommends limiting time of media use and focusing on shared use. Devices should be tools for connection — not entertainment in isolation.

So What Is Appropriate at This Age?

If you choose to introduce gadgets, here’s what makes a difference:

• Always co-watch. That means sit next to your child, comment on what’s happening, ask questions like, “Where did the duck go?” or “Can you point to the red car?”
  
• Keep it short. Think 5–10 minutes at a time. Toddlers aren’t built for long digital sessions. Use screen time like a snack — not a full meal.
  
• Avoid fast-paced content. Loud, flashy cartoons or chaotic YouTube videos overwhelm the developing brain.
  
• Stick to slow, simple, story-driven content. Shows that name objects, include repetition, and mirror real-life routines work best.
  

Great examples?

• Sesame Beginnings
• Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
• Select toddler playlists from PBS Kids
• Common Sense Media-curated content with ratings by age and educational value
  

Keep screens off during meals and out of the bedroom. This sets a foundation for good screen habits later on.

What If You Really Need to Distract Them?

It happens. You’re in a waiting room. Your toddler’s overtired. You forgot the snacks. You don’t have crayons. It’s okay to use the phone — but try to choose an interactive app over random videos. Many toddler-friendly apps include songs, animal sounds, or naming games that you can do together. Screen time can be educational.

And if it’s just a moment of calm you need, show photos or videos of familiar people — grandma, the family dog, or their own baby pictures. Familiar faces are comforting, and they support social learning.

One More Thing: Watch How Screens Affect Behavior

At this age, you’ll start noticing patterns. Some toddlers cry when the screen turns off. Others get agitated after watching. That’s your cue to scale back. Digital media time should never leave your child dysregulated or hyper.

If your toddler seems crankier after watching, it’s not your imagination. That’s a sign the screen time may not be working in your child’s best interest.

In this stage, you’re building habits — not just keeping them entertained. When used with care, quality screen can support bonding and even learning but they should be limited for children. You’re still the main teacher, try spending more time together. And what matters most is that your toddler interacts with people, not pixels.

Preschoolers (2–5 years): Healthy Habits, Not Just “Screen Limits”

Preschoolers are curious, chatty, and always on the move — and yes, they start to get really interested in devices. It is the beginning of the digital age. That’s normal. And when used well, use of media can actually support learning. But it’s all about the “how.”

According to the AAP recommendations average daily screen time for kids should be no more than 1 hour per day for this age group — and the key word here is quality.

Choosing the Right Videos (It’s Not Just Cartoons)

Not all kids’ videos are created equal. Just because something is animated doesn’t mean it’s helpful — or even appropriate. You want shows that:

• Teach real-world skills (like friendship, empathy, problem-solving)
  
• Model healthy behavior (sharing, using words, managing feelings)
  
• Slow down the pace so kids can follow the story
  
• Include repetition and call-and-response (which boosts memory and speech)

What’s worth watching?

• Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Teaches emotional intelligence through everyday situations.
  
• Bluey – Funny, heartfelt, and full of realistic family dynamics.
  
• Sesame Street – A classic that blends literacy, math, and life skills.
  
• Super Simple Songs or PBS Kids programming — great for music, rhythm, and early literacy.

Don’t Just Hit Play — Be Part of It

Watching together makes a massive difference. Co-viewing turns screen time into learning time.

Try this:

• Ask open-ended questions like, “Why do you think she felt sad?”
• Pause the video and say, “What do you think happens next?”
• Act out parts of the show afterward — yes, dance and sing with them.

Preschoolers learn best through interaction. If they’re just sitting passively staring at the screen, the learning value drops fast.

Creating Screen-Free Moments (That Actually Work)

If your preschooler constantly asks for the tablet, it’s a sign to rebalance. Digital media may be part of life, but it shouldn’t be their default activity.

Here’s how to help:

• Create device-free routines — like “no gadgets at breakfast” or “no watching tv or movies an hour before bedtime.”
• Set up a screen-free corner with art supplies, puzzles, books, or building toys.
• Rotate toys weekly to keep interest high without new purchases.
• Offer choices: “Do you want to play blocks or color?” instead of just saying “no smartphone.”

Movement matters, too — aim for plenty of physical activity throughout the day. Screen time is sedentary by nature, and preschoolers need to burn energy to sleep well and stay regulated.

Involve Them in Rule-Making

Preschoolers love rules — especially ones they help create.

Try making a visual media time chart with your child. Use drawings or stickers to represent “screen time,” “outside time,” “story time,” and “quiet time.” This gives them a sense of control and sets clear boundaries.

You might say:

“We can watch one episode of Bluey after lunch, but then we’ll go outside.”

Consistency matters more than strict enforcement. Keep the routine predictable, and your child will stop asking every 10 minutes for the tablet.

Preschoolers aren’t just watching — they’re absorbing. That’s why it’s so important to stay engaged, set boundaries early, and teach them that screens are a small part of a bigger day full of play, people, and discovery.

Children (6–12 years): Finding Balance in a Digital World

Once kids hit elementary school, digital devices become part of daily life — for learning, for fun, and for staying connected. Homework moves online. Classrooms use tablets. Friends chat through games. Digital media isn’t just optional anymore.

It is important to find balance.

More than 2 hours of recreational screen time per day can lead to less sleep, less physical activity, and more behavior struggles. The CDC reports that children in this age group spend 4 to 6 hours daily on using gadgets , not counting schoolwork.  

That’s a lot. And most of the digital media isn't educational.

Here are some real, unfiltered insights from American kids aged roughly 8–12 talking about how gadgets affect them.

So How Do You Keep It Healthy?

Start with the basics:

• Prioritize movement. Children aged  6-12 years need at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, according to the CDC. Screen time shouldn’t take that away.
  
• Protect their sleep. Keep digital devices out of the bedroom — especially at night. Blue light disrupts melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
  
• Use tech tools. Most tablets, smartphones, and TVs now have built-in parental controls that let you set screen time limits, block certain apps, or pause devices at bedtime.
  
• Create screen-free zones. Start with the dinner table and bedrooms. These boundaries teach that devices don’t belong everywhere.

Family Rules That Actually Work

It’s not about having more rules. It’s about having clear ones that everyone understands.

Try creating a Family Media Use Plan. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a free online tool to help build one. This plan should include:

• Daily digital time limits (and when devices are allowed)
• What types of media are okay (and which are not)
• Where screens can and can’t be used
• What happens when limits are broken

Tip: Make the rules visible. Post them on the fridge or near the family charging station.

And yes — that includes parents, too. When kids see you scrolling during dinner, the message gets muddled. Modeling matters.

Organize Screen-Free Time That Doesn’t Feel Like Punishment

This age group is still playful, curious, and open to anything — as long as it’s fun. The key to reducing digital devices use isn’t just taking gadgets away; it’s offering better alternatives.

Here are a few screen-free swaps:

• Game nights instead of YouTube binges
• Walks or bike rides before dinner
• Cooking together instead of streaming shows
• DIY crafts, science kits, Legos, or comic books

Let your child help choose the activities. When they feel involved, they’re more likely to stick with it.

Talk, Don’t Just Track

Screen time rules work best when you make it a conversation, not just a restriction.

When kids speak honestly about how they feel, it’s easier for parents to set supportive boundaries — not forced ones.

• Ask your child openly: “Do you ever feel tired after using your phone?” This opens the door for trust rather than lecturing.
• Let their own words guide limits. Try something like, “You said you feel tired after two hours — what if we pause after one hour?”
• Help them recognize the signs. Fatigue, forgetting, restlessness — these are all prompts to take a break or switch activities.

Such questions, as “What do you like about this game?", “Was that show funny, or just loud?" help them build media awareness — and self-regulate over time. The goal isn’t just controlling screen time, but helping kids understand how it affects their mood, focus, and health.

Kids between 6 and 12 are still learning to manage themselves. They need structure, reminders, and examples. But more than anything, they need your involvement — not just in setting the rules, but in living them.

Teenagers (13–18 years): Teaching Balance, Not Just Setting Limits

Let’s face it — teens live on screens. Whether it’s texting, TikTok, gaming, YouTube, or schoolwork, the phone is almost always nearby. And for many parents, it feels like a constant tug-of-war.

But here’s the truth: Banning gadgets won’t work. And constant monitoring won’t teach responsibility. Instead, the goal is to help your teen develop healthy life habits that they’ll carry into adulthood.

How Much Is Too Much?

The AAP doesn’t give time recommendations, not a strict hour limit for teens. Instead, they encourage families to look at how screen use affects daily life:

• Is your teen getting enough sleep? (8–10 hours per night is recommended)
• Are they physically active each day?
• Do they spend time with family or friends offline?
• Are they keeping up with schoolwork and personal hygiene?

If screens are crowding out other priorities — that’s the red flag.

What Parents Can Do (That Actually Works)

1. Create boundaries together. Teens are more likely to respect limits they help design. Sit down and talk honestly about:
   
   • When screens are okay (after homework, for example)
   • Where phones are off-limits (dinner table, bedroom at night)
   • Which apps or games are most distracting
     
2. Use tech to manage tech.
   Most devices have built-in tools like Screen Time (Apple) or Family Link (Google). These allow parents to see how much time is spent on each app, set screen time limits, and block access during certain hours.  You can also use a dedicated app like Parental Control Kidsee, which offers even more flexible controls and makes it easier to manage screen time across different devices — especially if you have kids of different ages.
   But don’t just use the tools — talk about what they show. Ask your teen how they feel about their screen habits. They might surprise you.
3. Keep phones out of bedrooms overnight.
   This is a big one. Even silent phones can interrupt sleep. Set a family rule where all devices charge overnight in a shared space, not beside the pillow.
4. Model screen-free time.
   Teens notice when you're glued to your phone. If you want them to unplug, start by putting your own screen down during meals, car rides, or family time.

Making Offline Time More Appealing

Telling a teen to “go outside” without a plan rarely works. Instead, try these strategies:

• Involve them in planning. Ask what non-screen activity they’d like to try — a gym class, hiking, cooking something new, volunteering, or helping plan a family outing.
• Support social time. Teens crave connection. Encourage screen-free activities with friends — movie nights, board games, or even just hanging out at the park.
• Offer a challenge. Create family “digital detox” nights, no-phones dinners, or weekends where everyone limits screen time together.

And if your teen resists? Don’t panic. Keep the conversation going. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s awareness.

Talk Openly About the “Why”

Here’s a compelling YouTube clip featuring real American teens (14–18 years) talking about their gadget use—the effects it has on their mood, focus, and sleep:

These raw, honest statements reveal their lived experience:

• Mental and emotional fatigue – They feel drained after too much scrolling.
• Anxiety and FOMO – Being away from devices can feel like something is missing.
• Self-awareness – They recognize when screen use starts to overwhelm their mood or focus.

Teenagers are smart. They want reasons. If you're setting a rule, explain it in terms of health, sleep, or mental focus, not just "because I said so." Share how excessive screen time can impact mood, attention, and even self-esteem, especially on social media.

Ask open-ended questions like:

• “How do you feel after a few hours online?”
• “Do you ever notice when a gadget makes you feel worse?”
• “What do you wish adults understood about your screen time?”

When you treat your teen like a partner in the process — not a problem to be fixed — they’re far more likely to listen.

At this age, connection matters more than control. Teens won’t always follow every rule — but when you set fair boundaries, stay consistent, and keep the conversation respectful, you’re building lifelong habits that matter more than any app ever will.

Managing screen time in today’s digital world isn’t easy — and no, you’re not a bad parent if your child watches an extra episode while you make dinner or hands over a tablet in a waiting room. Digital media is part of life now — for kids and adults alike.

What matters most isn’t eliminating devices, but making thoughtful, age-appropriate choices that support your child’s health, development, and relationships. That means knowing when to say yes, when to set limits, and when to join in and make it meaningful.

So talk to your child. Watch together. Set simple, clear boundaries. And most of all, remember — it’s not about having a perfect screen-free home. It’s about helping your kids grow up with the skills to use digital media in healthy, balanced, and smart ways.

You’ve got this. And you’re not alone.