The AAP recommends avoiding screens other than video chat before 18 months, limiting 18-24 month olds to high-quality content watched together, capping ages 2-5 at about one hour a day of quality programming, and setting consistent, reasonable limits for older kids that protect sleep, activity, and family time. What children watch — and whether you watch with them — matters as much as how long.
Screens are part of modern childhood, and the goal isn't zero — it's balance. A little structure keeps media from crowding out the things young kids need most: sleep, movement, play, and connection.
Screen-time guidelines by age
Under 18 months
Avoid screens other than live video chat with family. Babies learn from faces and real interaction, not from video.
18 months - 5 years
From 18-24 months, if you introduce media, choose high-quality content and watch together. For ages 2-5, aim for about one hour a day of quality programming, co-viewed when possible.
School age & teens
There's no single magic number. Set consistent limits that keep screens from displacing sleep, physical activity, homework, and time with family.
It's not just how much — it's what and how
An hour of a slow, narrative show that you talk about together is very different from an hour of fast, ad-filled clips watched alone. Favor high-quality, age-appropriate content, and co-view when you can — your narration is where a lot of the learning actually happens.
Protecting sleep, activity, and connection
The biggest downsides of too much screen time are the things it crowds out. Keep screens out of the bedroom, power down at least an hour before bed (screen light and stimulation delay sleep), and protect daily active play and unstructured, screen-free time.
Set a family 'screens off' time each evening and charge all devices in a common area overnight — it protects everyone's sleep, including yours.
Building healthy media habits as a family
Rules stick better when they apply to everyone:
- Create screen-free zones and times — meals, the car, bedrooms.
- Model the habits you want; kids notice our screen use.
- Make a simple family media plan together, and revisit it as kids grow.
- Prioritize content you'd feel good watching alongside them.
When screens become a concern
It's worth a conversation with your pediatrician if screen use is regularly interfering with sleep, meals, school, friendships, or mood, or if setting limits has become a constant battle. Small, consistent changes usually help — and we're glad to problem-solve with you at any visit.
