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The Importance of Screen Time Limits for Children Ages 5 and Younger

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By: Dr. Marisa Azaret
November 19, 2024


Parents of middle- and high-school age children are, as a rule, already deep in the trenches, working to manage and balance their children’s safe use of screens. But what about younger siblings? What can parents do to help young children form healthy screen habits during these formative years?
 
Several studies conducted over the past 20 years have linked high levels of overall exposure to screen media, especially violent screen media, to negative health, behavior and cognitive outcomes for children. These studies led to recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that children under age 2 consume very little or no screen time and that a parent be present during all screen encounters. Children ages 2 to 5 should engage in no more than one hour per day of screen media and the selected content should be educational.
 
Yet recent research indicates that parents struggle to implement this guideline, with 7 in 10 preschoolers exceeding the daily limits. Often, screen time is used to engage children when parents are diverted by other tasks or to soothe an upset child.

Here are some recommendations to help parents manage screen time with their young children in positive ways.
 
  • If there are older children in the household, task them with doing non-screen activities with the younger sibling on a regular basis. This can enhance the sibling relationship and provide the children with fun, non-screen activities. Options can include board games, reading books, silly dancing, and more.
  • Take a walk around the neighborhood with your kids and talk about the things you see together. This is a great way to enhance the verbal skills of young children.
  • Put on music and have everyone dance. Funny costumes can add to the fun.
  • Playdates with other families of young children can provide important non-screen interaction. These events can have a positive social impact for the adults, as well.
  • Time to make dinner? Find ways to engage children in the process. Small children can play with cups and small pans on the floor. Older children can help with simple preparations.
  • Need a minute to complete key tasks, such as bill paying or business calls? Set up young children with crayons and paper and give them fun “assignments” to work on.
  • Time for your child’s hour of screen time? There’s lots of good educational content for very young children. Search online for the best age-appropriate content to engage your child.
  • View the selected screen content with the child so you can talk with them about what they see and hear.
  • Help young children learn ways to self-soothe when they are upset that doesn’t involve screen time. A special stuffed animal or quiet book time can be excellent ways to soothe without use of screens.
 
And remember, it starts with us!  Most important of all, parents should set a good screen-time example. Avoid spending lengthy time on your devices when children are present. Children will often mirror what we model for them. Let them see you engaged in lots of positive non-screen activities.   
 
 
Dr. Marisa Azaret is Director of Clinical Psychology at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Co-Chair of the Digital Safety Alliance. If your child is experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or other behavioral disorders, it may be time to seek professional help. Contact the Nicklaus Children’s Psychology Team at: 305-669-6503.