If you’re a parent in today’s tech-savvy world, you’ve probably wrestled with the “how much is too much” screen time question. It’s like walking a tightrope, isn’t it? On one side, there’s the educational value of digital media, and on the other, the pitfalls of too much screen exposure. Let’s dive into some guidelines.
Toddlers (Ages 1-2)
For toddlers, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen use to video chatting with family and close friends. Toddlers are rapidly developing their physical and cognitive abilities, and they benefit most from hands-on exploration.
Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
The AAP suggests no more than one hour per day of high-quality programming, under parental guidance. This is the age to introduce educational content that can aid in learning colors, numbers, and letters.
School-Age Children (Ages 6-12)
As children grow, their screen time can increase but should still be monitored. Experts recommend setting a limit of about one to two hours per day on weekdays and a bit more on weekends, while still encouraging other activities like reading and sports.
Teenagers (Ages 13-18)
Teenagers are more independent but still need boundaries. Around two hours per day is a reasonable limit, excluding time for homework and educational projects.