We do have recognize that not all screen time is equal. You can learn great skills from these apps. You can learn how to code, build things, design, start businesses, learn languages, and more. That being said, I would look to use screens that would be productive or educational more than just consuming content to be entertained. Here are the general recreational screen time recommendations according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) by age group:

Toddlers to 2 Year olds

• Less than 1 hour per day
• Only use quality educational programs that you watch together
• Although it can be tough, avoid the temptation of handing your phone to your toddler to stop them from fussing. This inhibits their ability to interact with their environment and the people around them. 

Ages 2-5

• Limit to less than 1 hour per weekday and less than 3 hours per weekend day
• Once again, try to limit media to educational, interactive programs you can watch or play together
• If you want them to watch a screen, a larger device like a tablet or computer will cause less visual stress than a phone.

Ages 6-10

• Limit to under 2 hours of recreational screen time per weekend day and less than 3 hours per weekend day.
• At 6 years old you can start talking to your child about the importance of limiting screen time

Ages 11-17

• At this age your child will be on screens for longer periods of time for school, but still limit the recreational use.
• Limit to under 2 hours of recreational screen time per weekend day and less than 3 hours per weekend day.
• Find non-screen activities they can do, especially ones that involve exercise.
• Always discuss being good digital citizens, posting responsibly, and having a digital footprint they can be proud of.

Adults

• As an adult you want to limit recreational screen time to 2-4 hours a day
• Keep work-related screen time around 8 hours a day if you can
• Take frequent screen breaks
• Make time for physical activity
• Set screen free times
• Turn off screens an hour before bed
• Avoid checking your work e-mail before bed!

Setting Screen Time Limits

• Schedule dedicated screen-free time with your family
• No screens during meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Make a fun challenge — can they be screen free for a certain length of time? They can earn a prize at the end!
• Create a central charging station at night where your child leaves their phone out of their room
• Screens off at least 1 hour before bed
• As a parent, if you need to have your mobile phone in your bedroom at night, move it to the charge away from your bed. Studies show if you have your phone within 4-5 feet of you it will affect your sleep pattern.

Reasons to Have a Basket Rule When Friends Come Over

When your child has friends come over one thing you can do is have their devices go into a basket in a central location. Why would you do this?

1. When kids get together sometimes they do stupid things. You don’t want them taking pictures of these stupid things with your house in the background. You are liable.
2. You can avoid unnecessary drama. Sometimes teens will be messaging other friends at a different party, or someone feels left out, etc. Removing the devices removes the drama.
3. Your kids might tell you, “I’m bored.” I say, “Good!” Being bored stimulates creativity and imagination. We are so used to being entertained and stimulated all the time that we forget how to work through boredom. We need to teach our kids it’s okay to be bored and encourage them to use their imagination to do something productive.

Need Help Setting Limits?

There’s an app for that! Here are some of the best apps on the market today that can both monitor and set screen time limits.