How to Manage Screen Time Limits with your Child
14 de febrero de 2026Don’t Let Screens Steal the Scene!
Screens are everywhere today. Children use TVs, tablets, phones and computers for learning and fun. Screens can be helpful, but too much screen time can lead to problems. That is why we recommend setting screen time limits for your child.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages families to create a Family Media Plan to help manage their child's screen time. This plan helps families use screens in ways that support learning, health and connection without letting screens take over the day. Families should try to implement intentional screen time because not all screen time is the same. High-quality content includes shows, games and apps that:
- Teach new ideas
- Encourage thinking or creativity
- Help families talk and connect
Screens should not just keep kids busy or help them "zone out." Kids learn more when parents watch alongside them and talk about what they see together.
How Adults Play a Part in a Child's Media Consumption
Children need time every day to play, move, read and rest. Too much screen time can crowd out these important activities, which is why a family media plan helps keep a healthy balance.
Adults play an important role in helping kids understand their feelings, and that includes how a child understands the media they are consuming. Because of this, adults should play an active role in their child's media consumption. Watching shows or playing games together gives parents and guardians a chance to talk about emotions, choices and behavior. These conversations help children learn how to manage their feelings and learn how to make good decisions.
Consider using AAP's 5 Cs to help your family think about screen time:
- Child: Every child is different
- Content: What is your child watching or playing?
- Calm: Are screens used to calm big emotions?
- Crowding Out: Are screens replacing sleep or play?
- Communication: Are families talking about media together?
Risks and Benefits of Media Use
Not all media is bad! Digital media has many benefits for children. It can teach new ideas, help kids learn about current events and allow peers to work together on school projects. Media also helps families and friends stay in touch, even when they live far apart. Some online content even supports healthy habits, like learning how to eat well or stay active.
However, too much media use can cause problems. Screen use at night can lead to poor sleep, because bright screens make it harder to fall asleep. Also, too much screen time can raise the risk of obesity when kids spend less time moving and playing.
Overuse of screens can also affect learning and social skills, especially in young children. When screens replace talking and playing with others, kids may miss chances to build language skills. Multitasking with screens can also hurt school performance.
Additionally, it is important for adults to know the risks of online media consumption. Some content may lead to behavior problems, especially violent shows or games, and older children and teens may face risks like cyberbullying, loss of privacy and unsafe online behavior.
Screen Time for Young Children
Children under age of two learn best by exploring and playing with others, but there are ways to utilize screen time with your young child. Video chatting with family is okay because it involves back-and-forth interaction. Additionally, watching educational content with a caregiver can help learning. However, too much screen time may interfere with language development and social skills. Remember: screen time is all about balance and finding what is right for your family.
Every family is different. A thoughtful media plan helps screens be a supporter of your child's learning and connection without taking over the day. Families can create a personalized plan at HealthyChildren.org, a trusted resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
