Reducing Screen Time - Practical Advice for Parents
Screen time has many positives; the acquisition of knowledge, instant entertainment and opportunities to connect with a community. Despite what the media says, a direct 'toxic' effect is contested. However, excessive use is associated with obesity and poorer mental health, possibly due to displacing desirable activities such as sleep, time with family and friends and exercise. As with anything, it's all about balance, maximising the positives.
How much screen time is too much? World Health Organization recommends:
For infants (less than 1 year):
Screen time is not recommended
Encourage interactive, non-screen-based activities like storytelling, singing, and puzzles
For children aged 1–2 years:
Sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour per day; less is better
Promote physical activities and interactive play instead
For children aged 3–4 years:
Limit sedentary screen time to 1 hour per day; less is better.
Encourage at least 180 minutes of physical activity spread throughout the day.
5-17 years:
Generally no more than 2 hours per day, except for homework.
Screen time can be a trigger point for families, so what to do if you want to reduce it?
Sit down in a calm moment, negotiate screen time limits with your children based on their needs. Have a plan that everyone agrees and then the hardest part, be consistent and stick to it.
Be aware what apps and networks young people are engaged with, how these work and what content they are likely to encounter. However, try not to be intrusive or judgmental. This will help keep them safe online and ensure the material they are watching is age appropriate. Video content and games have certification systems to help with this.
Think about your own media use: children will learn from example. Prioritise face-to-face interaction so your children do not miss out on the positive developmental effects of face-to-face interaction. Be snack aware. Screens can distract children from feeling full and your child may be exposed to advertising promoting unhealthy foods.
Screen-free bedrooms: There should be no screens in the bedroom, and children generally shouldn’t view a screen for at least one hour before bedtime. The reason is a screen’s blue light can prevent the brain from knowing when it’s time to get ready for sleep. Instead of watching TV before bed, children should engage in other activities, such as reading.
Fill the void: If you need to cut back on your child’s screen time, don’t leave them to figure out what to do with that free time. Replace it with something positive, such as outdoor sports or other activities.
For more information, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age (World Health Organisation)
