Media Use Guidelines
Many parents wonder how much screen time is too much for kids and teens. The answer depends on their age, what they're doing online, and whether media use is getting in the way of other important parts of life (like family time and schoolwork).
Setting a few basic guidelines can help you and your child build smart habits around screens.
When Screen Time Is a Concern
Not all screen time is the same. Time spent on homework is different from entertainment screen time. Using media for fun — especially when kids spend a lot of time online alone — has been linked to sleep problems, lower grades, and less physical activity. For older kids and teens, some kinds of content (like stuff about body image and self-harm) and app features can also affect mental health and lead to depression or anxiety.
It's not always easy to tell when screen time is a problem. If your child is usually tired, less active, avoids friends or family, or struggles to put a device down, it may be time to make changes.
Screen Time Guidelines by Age
To give you an idea of how much screen time is healthy for your child, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) created these media use guidelines:
- Babies and toddlers up to 18 months old: Try to avoid screens other than video calls with family and friends. Babies this age can’t yet learn from a screen the way they learn from you and the world around them. A short video (like one from Sesame Street) once in a while won't hurt, but screens shouldn't be a regular part of their day.
- Toddlers 18–24 months: If you'd like to introduce some screen time, sit with your child and watch a short educational video together. Kids this age learn more from what they see on a screen when a parent watches with them, talks about it, and connects it to real life. Think of it less like watching a show and more like reading a book with your child. Keep screen time to less than an hour a day, and avoid leaving your child alone to watch media.
- Preschoolers: Aim for less than one hour a day of screen time, and choose good-quality shows or apps. Try not to use a phone or tablet to calm kids when they're upset. Children this age are still learning how to handle their feelings, and doing it for them can get in the way of that skill. Watching together is always better than letting your child watch alone.
- Kids and teens 5 to 18 years: You can start by limiting screen time (other than homework) to 1–2 hours a day. Every child is different, so find what works for your family.
Helping Kids Use Media Wisely
Many apps and platforms are designed to hold kids’ attention and keep them using the media for as long as possible. Features like autoplay, game streaks, and endless scrolling can keep kids (and adults) hooked.
Here are some media use tips that can help:
- Look for quality content. The best apps and shows teach something, spark creativity, or encourage kids to think. A good place to start is Common Sense Media, which offers ratings and reviews.
- Have regular chats about what your kids watch and do on their devices. This can help them feel more comfortable coming to you if they see something concerning online.
- Point out ads and sponsored content. Many posts and videos don’t look like ads, so it can be hard to tell when someone is selling something.
- Set screen-free times and places. For example:
- Turn off devices during meals.
- Avoid letting kids use media for entertainment while doing homework.
- Shut off devices at least an hour before bedtime. (The light from screens makes it harder to fall asleep and get a good night’s rest.)
- Keep devices out of bedrooms. At night, charge them in your bedroom or another common area that kids can’t get to easily.
What Else Should I Know?
Rules about your family’s media use might be different than those of your friends. Household screen guidelines can vary depending on the age, health, and personality of your child, and on your lifestyle and values.
To help you make a plan that your whole family can agree on, try the AAP’s Family Media Plan tool.