Children’s screen time should be limited. It takes time away from other important activity and is addictive. Start tracking how much time your child spends engaged with screens. Is he getting information different ways or mostly through screens? Is he interacting with real live people or spending his time alone interacting with people only through screens? Recommended time limitations follow.

Infants (under 18 months): Limit screen time to video chatting with an adult, like a parent who is out of town.

Toddlers (18-24 months): If introducing screen time, choose high-quality, educational programming and co-view with a caregiver.

Preschoolers (2-5 years): Aim for no more than one hour of screen time per day, and consider co-viewing with a parent to enhance the experience.

School-aged children (5-12 years): Limit recreational screen time to two hours per day, not including schoolwork. Prioritize sleep (9-12 hours) and physical activity (more than one hour).

Teens (13+ years): While no specific time is set, encourage a healthy balance between screen time, physical activity, sleep, and other activities.