The Truth About Screen Time
Screen time poses serious risks to children's health and cognitive development. Excessive screen use is linked to sleep problems, attention issues, emotional dysregulation, and delayed social skills.
Instead of focusing solely on minutes, consider:
- What they're watching (aim for zero entertainment screen time and only allow educational content sparingly)(nature documentary vs. endless unboxing videos)
- How they're using screens (prioritize hands-on learning and real-world activities over digital media)
- What they're missing because of screen time (abundant outdoor play, in-person social interaction, and restful sleep are essential)
How You Use Screens Matters
Be honest about how screens are being used in your home. Are they a tool to keep your child busy or to avoid a meltdown? It happens — but it’s important to remember that screens can’t take the place of real, unstructured play. They may quiet the behavior in the moment, but they don’t meet the need underneath it. And you often still get the meltdown anyway, after screen time is over.
Let’s talk about screens in public. Handing over a tablet at a restaurant or grocery store has become the norm, but that doesn’t make it healthy—or necessary. Your child is allowed to exist in public spaces—noise, feelings, curiosity, and all. You don’t owe anyone a perfectly silent meal. Someone else’s discomfort isn’t your responsibility.
Public spaces are classrooms for real-life learning. This is where kids observe, listen, wait, and interact with adults and community helpers. When we hand them a screen every time things get uncomfortable, we rob them of those experiences—the moments that teach patience, manners, and how to be part of the world.
Age-Appropriate Guidelines
Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
- Avoid daily screen time other than occasional video chatting with loved ones and family movie/show nights with low-stimulating movies or shows
- Choose hands-on toys and activities that encourage creativity and imagination
- Read physical books together instead of using e-readers
- Establish predictable daily rhythms without relying on screens
- Audio books/devices are okay for short periods of time (yoto player)
School-Age Kids (6-12 Years)
- Limit recreational screen time to 30 minutes per day maximum
- Carefully select any educational technology used and monitor its effects–watch for overstimulation or emotional effects
- Cultivate hobbies and interests beyond the screen - music, art, sports, etc.
- Avoid passive content that discourages curiosity or critical thinking (youtube shorts for example).
Teens (13-18 Years)
- Delay smartphone ownership until at least high school, ideally longer
- Be vigilant - problematic screen use often emerges in the teen years
- Continue setting firm boundaries around bedtime and screen-free zones
- Delay social media until after the age of 16
- Emphasize healthy habits and self-awareness over strict rules.
- Stay alert for changes in sleep, mood, or motivation related to screen use.
Practical Solutions for Parents
Aim for Near-Zero Screens in Bedrooms
- Keep all screens out of bedrooms 24/7 - no exceptions
- Charge devices outside the bedroom overnight
- Use old-fashioned alarm clocks instead of phones
Create a Family Media Plan
- Decide together to take extended screen breaks as a family
- Choose non-digital alternatives for entertainment and learning
- Post the plan and get everyone's commitment in writing
- Model healthy screen limits
Drama-Free Transitions
- Offer empathy but hold firm when ending screen time
- Help kids practice handling boredom and self-regulating without screens
Offer Meaningful Alternatives
- Engage kids in daily chores and household contributions
- Prioritize family rituals like device-free dinners and game nights
- Get outside every day for walks, bike rides, or trips to the park
Remember
"Screen time displaces many of the activities proven essential for healthy child development. Less is more when it comes to digital devices."
---Dr. Victoria Dunckley, author of Reset Your Child's Brain
We recommend using resources like screenstrong.org to help you set boundaries confidently.
Breaking away from screen dependence is hard. We're here to support you in aligning your family's media use with your deepest values. Together, we've got this!
