Sun Pediatrics

The ABCs of Pediatric Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?

In today’s digital age, children are growing up surrounded by screens, from tablets and smartphones to televisions and gaming consoles. While technology can be a valuable educational tool, it’s essential to strike a balance between screen time and other activities for your child’s well-being. So, how much screen time is too much?

Recommended Screen Time by Age Group

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides the following guidelines:

  • Under 18 months: Avoid screen time, except for video chatting.
  • 18 months to 2 years: Limited screen time with high-quality, age-appropriate content, and co-viewing with a caregiver.
  • 2 to 5 years: Limit to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming.
  • 6 years and older: Encourage consistent limits, ensuring screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or other essential behaviors.

Risks of Excessive Screen Time

Too much screen time can lead to:

  • Delayed speech and language development in young children.
  • Poor sleep habits due to blue light exposure.
  • Increased risk of obesity from sedentary behaviors.
  • Difficulty focusing or paying attention.

Tips for Creating a Balanced Digital Lifestyle

  • Establish screen-free zones, such as bedrooms or during meals.
  • Encourage outdoor play, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions.
  • Use parental controls to monitor and limit access to inappropriate content.
  • Lead by example by modeling healthy screen habits yourself.

At Sun Pediatrics, we understand the challenges of balancing screen time in a tech-driven world. If you have concerns about your child’s screen habits or development, schedule a consultation with us today.


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