Intermountain Health Experts Share Screen Time Guidelines for Toddlers and Children

Screens are everywhere. And many parents are finding that even babies and toddlers can gravitate toward interacting with Smart phones, tablets, laptops and computers. With that in mind the American Academy of Pediatrics has age-appropriate recommendations even for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers about screen time and how to teach children healthy media use habits, even at a young age.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, limiting screen time for babies, toddlers and preschoolers can help them:

• Sleep better. Kids who use screens less often and outside of bedrooms sleep longer and fall asleep earlier at night. Even babies!
• Develop learning and social skills. Less screen time often means more interaction with parents and family, which helps children learn to speak, solve problems, and pay attention.
• Gain the right amount of weight. Less screen time can mean less snacking and less exposure to food advertising. Children will likely be more physically active too.
• Learn good behavior. Limiting media can limit a child’s exposure to violence. Violent content can lead to confusion, fear, or copying violent behaviors.

“Face-to-face interactions are critical for children,” said Neal Davis, MD, a pediatrician and medical director of pediatric community-based care at Intermountain Health. “They build language, improve recognition of emotions, and help an infant or child learn important social skills.

For children under 18 months, it’s recommended that the only type of screen time they engage in is for video chatting with a parent or caregiver present to talk with the baby or toddler and teach them about the conversation.

For parents who want to introduce digital media, for toddlers ages 18 to 24 months, it’s recommended that parents choose high quality, age-appropriate programming oriented toward children, and that they view the program with their child instead of leaving them alone. This allows parents to talk to their toddler about what is being shown or said and how it relates to their toddler’s world and life at home.

For children ages 2 to 5 years old, it’s recommended that they spend no more than one hour per day on screens and that parents choose interactive, non-violent, educational, age-appropriate media programming for their child. And it’s recommended that parents co-view shows or videos and/or co-play digital games with their young child.

For 6+ years old

It’s recommended that children six and older spend no more than two hours maximum per day on screens and that parents place consistent limits on time and media type.

“Studies show excessive screen time for children is associated with developmental delays in speech, motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and increased behavioral issues, sleep disruption, and sedentary activity,” said Dr. Davis.

Tips to help parents limit screen time for children

• Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters or to stop tantrums
• Use books or cuddles to soothe your child, instead of a device.
• Don’t feel pressure to introduce screens early to your child
• Avoid using screens when feeding your child
• Turn off screens during family meals and outings.
• Limit your own screen time around children to model healthy habits
• Keep screens out of bedrooms.
• Turn off screens at least one hour before bedtime.
• Plan for outings by bringing books or toys for your child instead of screens.

For more information about raising healthy kids or to find a pediatrician visit intermountainhealth.org

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.