Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?

Nowadays, it’s practically essential that children and teens use smart devices. Almost everyone has a smartphone, and so many children have tablets. They use their devices for a variety of purposes: for school, for communication with friends and parents, and for entertainment. But how much time spent on these devices is too much? 

There are clear cut rules for younger children and screen time. For babies 18 months and younger, it is encouraged that there is no screen time other than video chats or other communication efforts. From 18-24 months, it is recommended that any screen time is kept to an absolute minimum and done with a guardian present. For kids 2-5 years, a daily limit of 1 to 2 hours is recommended. But what about adolescents and teenagers? Is there a magical number that teens should be following?

In short the answer is no. With so much reliance on technology, it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint an exact number for screen time. Most teens rely on laptops and tablets to complete homework and communicate with friends, along with other daily tasks. This can make it tricky to completely avoid screens or cut down their use drastically. However there are some tips to help avoid a reliance on screens and to cut down on their usage at home.

Tip #1 - Set Up Media Free Times
|It can be helpful for your child to know that there are times during the day that electronic use isn’t allowed. Setting media-free times can help provide the regulation they may need, and keep you in line too. Parents certainly aren’t immune to technology addictions! For example, make a rule that at the dinner table, you’re not allowed to use your phone. This will give you a break from screens and allow for better communication and conversation. 

Tip #2 - Decide on Media-Free Rooms
This may be a little difficult as your child gets older, but in their early adolescence, let your child know where they can and cannot use their devices. Studies have proven that screens disrupt sleep patterns and create bad sleep habits for your kids. If you don’t allow tablets or televisions in their bedroom, this can be avoided.

Tip #3 - Track Your Patterns
A big step in reducing screen time is having your child or teen track their habits on their phone or tablet. It avoids the “ignorance is bliss” aspect of addictive technology. By letting your children be aware of their own technology habits, you can help them realize if there is a problem. Most people are unaware of just how much time is spent on their phones, and giving your child access may help them voluntarily make a change. 

Tip #4 - Lead By Example
As you likely know, parents aren’t immune to the addictive nature of technology. Limit your own use as well. Set up a bedroom routine with your child that avoids a reliance on electronics. Set up times in your day to take a break and read a book or go for a walk. This will not only be good for you, but also will allow your children to see that you are following your own rules. 

Screen time is great in doses. Smart phones, tablets, and other technologies improve our lives, allowing us to communicate with people who are far away and complete tasks more efficiently. However, too much screen time can have negative effects on us and our children. By finding our unique “magic number” with screen time and setting our own personal and family limits, we can achieve a happy medium of benefiting from devices without feeling addicted to them.