Striking a Healthy Balance: Screen Time Tips for Kids and Teens

First published December 2013
Updated October 2025

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere and serve a variety of purposes, including learning, socializing, entertainment, and relaxation. As parents, it’s natural to wonder: how much is too much? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers research-backed guidance to help families find a balanced approach.

Why Screen Time Matters

Excessive screen use can interfere with sleep, physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and even eye health. Research has linked four or more hours of daily screen time to higher risks of anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and ADHD—especially when screen use interferes with sleep and physical activity.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Screens can also support learning, connection, and creativity when used wisely, which is why the AAP’s approach is less about strict limits on screen time and more about how screens are used.

AAP Guidelines by Age

Under 18 months

Avoid screen media altogether, except for video chatting with family and friends. 

18–24 months

If introducing digital media, choose high-quality content and co-view with your child to help explain what they’re seeing.

Ages 2–5 years

Consider limiting screen time to about one hour per day of high-quality programming, ideally with co-viewing and discussion. 

Age 6 years and older

Rather than prescribing a strict “hours” limit, the emphasis is on consistent boundaries. Ensure media does not replace sleep, exercise, homework, and face-to-face time. Continue to co-view and discuss what children and teenagers are watching. Develop a family media plan with clear rules for “when, where, and how” screens can be used.

Practical Tips for Parents

• Create screen-free zones and times. Mealtimes, car rides, and bedrooms can be designated as media-free zones to preserve family connection and downtime.
• One screen at a time. Turn off devices not in use to reduce distractions.
• Wind down before bed. Stop screen use at least one hour before bedtime to support better sleep.
• Co-view, ask, and discuss. Rather than just supervising, engage with your child: ask what they liked, what they didn’t, and how content connects to real life.
• Model good behavior. Your own screen habits matter. Being “plugged in” too much can send mixed messages to kids.
• Be flexible and revisit. As children mature, revisit and update their media rules. For teens, negotiation and shared decision-making are more helpful than rigid enforcement.

Balancing screen time isn’t about policing every click — it’s about helping children build a healthy, thoughtful relationship with media. With consistency, open communication, and sensible boundaries, screens can be a helpful tool rather than a source of unhealthy distraction.