How much screen time is okay for kids?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to get dinner on the table, so you handed your kid a tablet, but now you're wondering if it's turning into too much screen time.

Screens are everywhere.

Causes & evidence

The AAP recommends a family media plan and limits for young children. See kids' screen time.

What to do

1. Make a family media plan.
2. Keep screens out of bedrooms at night.
3. Watch together when possible.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: using screens as the default for every quiet moment, or letting kids use devices alone in bedrooms. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests avoiding screen media other than video chatting for children younger than 18 to 24 months, and limiting screen use for ages 2 to 5 to about one hour a day of high-quality programming, ideally watched together. For older kids, focus on balance: screens shouldn't replace sleep, physical activity, homework or family time. Create a family media plan with screen-free times like meals and the hour before bed. Charge devices outside the bedroom. Watch with your kids when you can and talk about what you see. Be a role model with your own phone habits.

Speed Man tip: Model good habits.

Wrap-up: Plan. Limits. Together.