Even before the pandemic caused so many children to be in front of their computer screens daily for online learning, a child's exposure to screen time was an often-debated topic. But whether it's for entertainment or education, young children continue to spend more time than ever glued to their TVs, laptops, and smart devices. For example, a 2022 study published in JAMA Pediatrics said that average daily screen use by children during the pandemic increased by more than an hour and twenty minutes.

But with so many parts of our modern world continuing to shift online, families are finding it hard to know exactly how much screen time is too much for kids. 

Screen Time Recommendations by Age

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers guidance for appropriate screen time engagement for different age groups.

• Under Age 2 Years Old: The AAP recommends minimal screen time for children under two years old, except for video chatting. However, research has shown that babies as young as six months can emotionally connect to seeing loved ones on FaceTime, Skype, and other live platforms — and there do not seem to be any negative consequences. Once children reach 18 to 24 months, parents can begin to introduce high-quality media. Even then, the AAP also recommends that children in this age range only consume media when an adult is there to watch with them and talk to them about their viewing. Children using media on their own at this age is discouraged.
• Ages 2 to 5: Once a child reaches two years of age, the AAP recommends limiting their screen time to one hour per day. The AAP goes on to say that adults should still watch programming with their children and select interactive, non-violent, educational, and pro-social media.
• Ages 5 to 8: At ages 5 to 8, the AAP advises that parents and caregivers should monitor their child's media usage to ensure it's not impacting other crucial activities like sleep and exercise. Families and caregivers should also check the media their child is watching to ensure that it's safe and healthy for them to view.

Further, experts say that at this age range and up, there are no longer set recommendations for how long a child should engage in screen time daily. Experts say that at this point in a child's development, there is no evidence-based, "one size fits all" approach to screen time and that families should determine what's suitable for their children once they are past preschool age.

Regardless of your child's age, families should never forget to look at the content their child is viewing and in what context the child is watching a screen (such as playing, watching, or observing). And if you are worried that your child is spending too much time glued to a screen, consider establishing screen-free zones in the home and screen-free times during the day and evening.