How does too much screen time affect children?
Toddlers learn best when they interact with other children and adults. Some screen time can be educational, but simple play is the most powerful learning experience for children.
Too much screen time has negative impacts on children’s health and well-being. Time with screens means time away from other activities. For instance:
More screen time → less interaction with family and friends → fewer opportunities to develop problem solving and social skills
More screen time → less activity → more overweight in children
More screen time → less reading and talking → slower language development
More screen time → interferes with melatonin secretion → sleep deprived children
But HOW do I limit screen time?
Plan ahead what daily screen time looks like (three 20-minute shows? Friday movie night? A show while you cook dinner?). Then when your child asks for more, you can say, “How many shows do we watch?”
Set a timer to help your child know when screen time is up. Use this as a reminder to check in with your child and help them transition to the next activity.
Before starting screen use, tell your child what happens after screen time. “When this show is done, we’ll eat supper/go to daycare/have a dance party/go outside.” If this can be the same every day, the transitions are easier for kids.
Make technology work for you. Set passwords for devices. If you’re not using screens together, use “guided access” on Apple devices or “screen pinning” on Android devices to limit which apps and shows can be accessed. Set your child up for success by putting TVs on a timer that can be turned on and off with a remote or placing device remotes away from children’s reach.
Turn away from your screen. Kids do what we do. Model limited screen use by putting away your phone during meals. Turn your phone off while you play with your child. Describe why you are picking up your device. Children learn from watching adults that screens are just one part of a balanced day.
Find a balance!
Experts recommend limiting screens to 1-2 hours per day (and no screens before age 2). Fill your day with other activities first. Make and eat meals together, play, spend time outside, exercise, sleep 10-12 hours per day, read, take a bath, build with blocks, make believe, sing, and then use screens in some of the remaining time.
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