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So much of modern life revolves around screens — smartphones, tablets, and laptops. But how does sitting in front of a screen affect children, and how much screen time is too much for kids?

Here, we look at current recommendations and offer common-sense ways to cut back on kids’ screen time.

What Is Screen Time?

Screen time broadly refers to any activities done in front of a screen. That might include texting a friend, watching television, playing video games, or doing homework on a computer. These are usually sedentary activities, meaning you’re sitting down instead of moving.

Statistics from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry show that screens are part of most children’s daily routines. Children ages 8 to 12 in the U.S. spend four to six hours a day watching or using screens, and teenagers spend up to nine hours a day in front of screens.

Screen time isn’t all bad — in many cases, computers have taken the place of textbooks in schools. Smartphones can serve as a great way to communicate with your kids. And some children’s television programming is educational.

But there are downsides to kids spending too much time in front of a screen.

Negative Effects of Screen Time on Children

Various media types can influence how children think, learn, and behave. Children may get exposed to harmful content, such as:

• Cyberbullying.
• Inaccurate or misleading information.
• Online predators.
• Risk-taking stunts or challenges that can lead to unsafe behavior.
• Sexual content or sexting.
• Violent behavior.

Even if your child doesn’t get exposed to violent or inappropriate content online, too much screen time can still cause problems. Sitting in front of a screen for hours can lead to:

• A greater risk of mental health problems such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
• A greater risk of weight problems or obesity from sedentary habits.
• Less time learning other ways to have fun.
• Less time learning social skills and understanding other people’s emotions.
• Less time spent reading books.
• Mood issues.
• Not getting enough physical activity.
• Not spending enough time outdoors.
• Physical issues like poor posture and eye strain.
• Poor school performance.
• Poor self-image and/or body image issues.
• Reduced time interacting with family and friends.
• Sleep problems.
• Slower language development.
• Unhealthy food choices because of repeated ads for high-fat, high-sugar foods.

How Much Is Too Much Screen Time?

For years, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended no screens whatsoever for children under 2 and guidelines for other ages. In 2016, they updated these recommendations because there wasn’t enough evidence showing that specific screen time guidelines had any benefits.

Current recommendations focus more on the quality of screen time rather than quantity.

Younger than 2 years old

Keep screen time very minimal — for example, limit it to video chatting with grandparents or other relatives. Children under 2 learn about the world by exploring with their senses and interacting with parents, siblings, and other loved ones. They don’t understand what they see on a screen or how it relates to their world.

Between 18 and 24 months, children may learn from small amounts of high-quality programming. But caregivers should always watch with them and talk to them about it. Children shouldn’t watch media alone at this age; parents should never use it to soothe tantrums.

2 to 5 years old

Preschoolers should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. In moderation, educational programs can help them learn language and reading skills. You should still watch with your child instead of setting them down in front of an iPad or television as a babysitter.

5 years and older

Instead of having an hourly limit, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests examining the quality of interactions with digital media. Many children will be using screens at school and at home. Make sure you monitor your child’s media use for their health and safety.

Most importantly, make sure your child is getting plenty of healthy interactions and experiences away from a screen. Screen time shouldn’t replace family time, sleep, exercise, or playing with friends.

Tweens and teens

There is no one-size-fits-all amount of time experts consider safe for teens to spend in front of a screen. Teens mature at different rates, and what makes sense for one might not make sense for another. It’s better to guide your teen with ongoing conversations about social media, digital citizenship, and online safety.

Remember, as a parent, you’re still the biggest influence on your child. Incorporate the tips below to help create a safe, healthy relationship with digital media.

Strategies for Reducing Your Child’s Screen Time

If you feel your child spends too much time glued to a screen, you have choices. Here are some tips for reducing screen time.

• Banish computers, televisions, and phones from bedrooms.
• Delay younger children’s exposure to any screen for as long as possible.
• Don’t allow screens (smartphones, iPads, handheld video game devices) at family meals or outings.
• Don’t leave the television on for background noise.
• Don’t let your child eat mindlessly while playing video games or watching television.
• Encourage your child to participate in screen-free activities like sports, music, art, dance, or theater.
• Have a family rule about what age a child can have a certain device (such as a smartphone).
• Insist that kids spend as much time engaged in physical activity as they spend in front of a screen.
• Learn about parental controls and use them.
• Promote family activities that don’t involve screens, such as board game nights or weekend hikes.
• Set a good example by putting your phone away for extended periods.
• Share your family’s media rules with babysitters, grandparents, and other caregivers.
• Stop all screen time at least one hour before bedtime to help kids wind down.
• Teach your child about online privacy and safety.
• Watch television mindfully by deciding what programs to watch as a family and turning the television off when they’re over.