Kids & Screens: What Parents Need to Know

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere—classrooms, living rooms, even in our kids’ pockets. As a parent, it’s natural to wonder: How much screen time is too much? What does science actually say? And most importantly, how can I help my child build a healthy relationship with technology?

This post breaks down what research tells us about screen time for children and teens and offers practical, science-backed strategies for managing it.

What the Research Says About Screen Time

1. Not All Screen Time Is Equal

Researchers distinguish between different types of screen time:

• Passive use (watching videos, scrolling social media)

• Interactive use (playing video games, creating content)

• Educational use (online classes, research)

• Social use (video calls, chatting)

Educational and social screen use can support learning and relationships, while excessive passive use is more likely to be linked with negative outcomes.

2. Excessive Screen Time Can Impact:

• Sleep: Blue light can delay melatonin production, making it harder for kids to fall asleep.

• Mental health: High amounts of recreational screen time—especially social media—have been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, especially in teens.

• Academic performance: Some studies show that when screen time replaces reading, homework, or physical activity, grades can suffer.

• Behavior: Younger children exposed to large amounts of fast-paced or violent content may show increased impulsivity and difficulty with focus.

  
  

3. But It’s Not All Bad When used mindfully, screens can:

• Enhance learning

• Provide creative outlets

• Connect kids to peers

• Offer stress relief and entertainment

The key is balance—and that’s where parents come in.

Guidelines for Managing Your Child’s Screen Time

Here are some evidence-based tips parents can follow, drawn from research and recommendations by experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and child development researchers:

1. Create a Family Media Plan

The AAP encourages families to develop a media plan tailored to their lifestyle and values. Include:

• Screen-free times (e.g., during meals, before bed)

• Screen-free zones (e.g., bedrooms)

• Daily time limits

• Rules for content and apps

Check out the free tool at HealthyChildren.org/MediaUsePlan

2. Model Healthy Screen Habits

Kids learn by example. Reflect on your own screen use and model what you want to see in your children: putting phones away during conversations, avoiding screens at the dinner table, and practicing digital detoxes.

3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

One hour of educational content or creative play can be more beneficial than three hours of passive scrolling. Guide kids toward high-quality, age-appropriate content, and co-view or co-play when possible to build connection and conversation.

4. Encourage Offline Activities

Make sure screen time doesn’t crowd out sleep, physical activity, in-person social time, and downtime. Promote hobbies like sports, music, reading, or outdoor play as essential parts of the day.

5. Set Clear Boundaries—And Be Consistent

Kids and teens thrive with structure. Use built-in parental controls, set timers, or use apps to manage screen limits. Be clear about expectations and consequences—and follow through.

6. Talk About Digital Wellbeing

Have regular conversations about how screen time makes your child feel. Help them recognize when content is affecting their mood, self-esteem, or sleep. For teens, discuss the impact of social media and digital comparison.

Age-Specific Considerations

• 6–12 years: Kids need clear boundaries, supervision, and guidance around screen content and usage. Co-viewing and co-playing are highly encouraged.

• 13–17 years: Teens value independence, but still need guidance. Collaborate with them on limits and help them build self-awareness about their digital habits.