Is screen time bad for toddlers?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to cook dinner, so you put on cartoons for your toddler, and now you're worried TV is bad for them.

Parents need breaks.

Causes & evidence

AAP advises limiting screen media for young children and co-viewing quality content. See kids' screen time.

What to do

1. Choose quality content.
2. Watch together.
3. Limit time.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: using background TV all day, which can distract from play and talk. Choose high-quality shows and watch with your child when you can, talking about what you see. The AAP suggests limiting screen time for ages 2 to 5 to about an hour of high-quality programming a day. Avoid screens during meals and before bedtime. Educational shows designed for young children, like those on public television, can teach some skills, especially when you talk about them together. Fast-paced shows or ones with lots of ads are less helpful. Turn off the TV when nobody is watching. Mix in other activities while you cook, like giving your toddler pots and spoons to play with or a small helping job. Choose shows ahead of time instead of endless autoplay.

Speed Man tip: Avoid screens during meals.

Wrap-up: Quality. Together. Limit.