Article Summary:
- Screens are an ever-present part of daily life, including computers, televisions, video games, smart phones, and tablets.
- Too much screen time can cut into a child’s activity levels, which can negatively impact children’s motor and cognitive development and lifelong health.
- Limiting screen time isn’t about eliminating screens; it’s about making intentional choices that support your toddler’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
What Is Screen Time?
Screen time is any amount of time your child spends in front of devices with screens like computers, televisions, video games, smartphones, and tablets.1 These devices can offer entertainment and educational value, but it can also take time away from active and face to face play, especially at a crucial time of development.1 Studies show that face-to-face social interactions like talking with parents, playing with other children and doing activities together are best for a toddler’s language, thinking and emotional development.2
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends no screen time for children under 2 years (the exception is video chatting with caring adults), less than 1 hour of screen time per day for children between 2 and 4 years old, and 2 hours of screen time per day for children above 5 years of age.1 These guidelines are aligned with those of the World Health Organization, which recommends increasing physical activity, reducing sedentary time, and ensuring quality sleep in young children to improve their physical and mental health.3
The Impact of Too Much Screen Time for Kids
Your child’s screen time should be balanced with physical activity to promote healthy growth and development.3 Too much screen time can cut into a child’s activity levels, which can negatively impact children’s motor and cognitive development and lifelong health.3 According to the WHO, if healthy physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep habits are established early in life, this helps shape habits through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood.3
In addition, children who spend too much time in front of screens may exhibit behavioural challenges at home or school, have difficulty falling or staying asleep, and have an increased chance of experiencing unhealthy weight gain.1 It’s common for toddlers 2 years of age or under to be easily overstimulated by screens with too much colour, movement, or sound.1
How to Keep Track of Children’s Screen Time
Treat screen time with mindfulness. Consider turning off screens like background TV when no one is using them, and turning off devices during family activities.4
Be Aware of Your Own Screen Time
Pay attention to when you’re on a screen yourself while you’re interacting with your toddler. This can interfere with quality time, while also establishing negative habits about screen use. Consider putting your phone on silent or in a separate room to avoid distractions and better focus on your child.
Engage with Screens Together
Not all screen time is unhealthy: for example, a video call with relatives can help your child connect with family. When it comes to TV, some types of content are better suited for young children and toddlers than others. Choose TV programs that you are familiar with and watch these programs with your toddler.4 Actively engage with your toddler as they watch educational programming and discuss what they’re experiencing, answering any questions they may have. Find programs and games that encourage physical activity and participation.
Establish Rules for No Screen Time
Make a plan for family screen time. For example, you can suggest absolutely no screens during mealtime, no screens in your child’s bedroom, or daily time limits. Be sure to make these rules clear to relatives and caregivers who may be involved in your child’s well-being.1
Navigating screen time with your toddler is all about finding a mindful balance that prioritizes healthy development while recognising the realities of modern life. By setting clear boundaries, choosing age-appropriate and educational content, and modelling good screen habits, parents can create a positive digital environment for their children. Limiting screen time isn’t about eliminating screens: it’s about making intentional choices that support your toddler’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
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- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/TFS_screen-time.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39724067/
- https://www.who.int/news/item/24-04-2019-to-grow-up-healthy-children-need-to-sit-less-and-play-more
- https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/screen-time-and-young-children