Health practitioners screen time guidelines:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 2 do not have any screen time. The only exception is video conferencing with family (e.g., FaceTime, Skype).
• After the age of 2 it is OK to gradually introduce children to media. The World Health Organization recommends that children ages 2-4 spend no more (and preferably less) than 1 hour per day with screens.
  • • It is recommended that children consume age-appropriate, educational media content together with an adult who can discuss it with the child and help them gain the most out of it.
• Children aged 5 and above are recommended to spend no more than 2 hours a day with screens consuming quality programming.
• This time guidelines includes any electronics (video games, phone apps, TV, etc.).

What is quality content and what makes it age appropriate?

Quality programming is defined as educational content or shows with a strong narrative promoting children’s social-emotional development, featuring positive role models and positive behaviors. Some examples of shows that scientific research found to promote children’s psychological well being and academics include: Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood, Blue’s Clues.

It is OK to watch entertainment programming that is not educational just to unwind and relax, but it is recommended to avoid violent content.

Content advisories and TV ratings are incomplete and not always accurate as they are administered by the media industry. Parents can supplement them with ratings and reviews by Common Sense Media (a non-profit organization that provides detailed information about possible areas of concerns in movies, shows, apps and books). For example, these reviews not only rate the show for use of language but indicate exactly the words used and how often they appear in the movie so that parents can make an informed decision about whether this content would be right for their specific family/child based on their values and needs.

Tips for a healthy media environment:

Based on research it is important to not only limit the amount and type of content children consume, but also to create a healthy household environment. The suggestions below are linked to improving children’s sleep, eating habits, reduce risk of obesity and emotional problems:

1) Creating media free zones in the house –particularly, avoid screens in the bedroom.
2) Creating media free times –especially during mealtimes and 1-2 hours before bedtime.
3) Making media time purposeful –  Avoid having the TV on in the background when nobody is watching.
4) Establishing time limits and rules about media use. You can download our  media use diary – to track your  child’s media use. Set goals, analyze progress.
5) Reducing exposure to commercials (e.g., use streaming services, DVDs, etc.)
6) Discussing media content together, using it is as an opportunity for dialogue and fostering your child’s critical thinking skills making them a savvy media consumer. Check out our activities and conversation starters about advertising and about media violence.

How to get the most out of educational media?

To maximize the educational value of educational shows, parents would want to discuss the program with their child:

1. When watching with a preschool-aged child, ask the child to re-tell the story (it develops their narrative skills which improves their reading and literacy skills!).
2. Ask questions about the story (Why did he do this? How did it make her feel?). Ask questions that connect it to their own life (Do you feel the same way sometimes? What happened that made you feel this way?)
3. Engage in other activities that extend the learning from the show — read a book, build from blocks, make a sock puppet show, or cook together something that reinforces the lessons in the show.

Check out more tips and information on our resources page  and design your family media plan.