Kids, Teens and Screens

Oct 15, 2024

Kids these days spend way too much time staring at screens, phones, tablets, games, TV, you name it. It's like they can't get enough! While screens can be fun and educational, too much can cause problems.

Excessive screen use can pose significant risks to children's mental health and development. Too much exposure to screens can lead to sleep disturbances, vision problems, obesity, and social isolation. Additionally, children may be exposed to inappropriate content, online predators, and cyberbullying.

Parents might not even know what their kids are watching, or how long they're glued to those screens. They could be seeing all sorts of stuff , including violence, risky stuff, even inappropriate content.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following screen time limits:

• Children under 2: No screen time

• Children 2-12: One hour per day

• Teens and adults: Two hours per day

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry makes the following recommendations:

• Until 18 months of age: Limit screen use to video chatting with an adult.

• Between 18 and 24 months: Limit screen time to educational programming with a caregiver.

• For children 2-5: Limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on weekends.  

• For ages 6 and older: Encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens.  

It's tough for families to manage screen time. But it's important to start early. To help manage screen time, try these tips:

• Set a schedule: Plan screen-free time, study time, and designated screen time for fun.

• Be a role model: Set a good example for your kids by limiting your own screen time.

• Limit specific activities: Instead of choosing a general screen time limit, limit time spent on a certain activity.

• Turn off screens before bed: Turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30–60 minutes before bedtime.

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

• Have family conversations: Have a conversation as a family to set reasonable goals.

Also, turn off all screens during family meals and outings, learn to use parental controls, and avoid using screens as a babysitter.

Screens aren't going anywhere, but they can be used in a healthy way. Talk to your kids about what they're watching, encourage other activities, and set a good example yourself. With the right guidance, screen time can be positive.