The holiday season offers a wonderful opportunity to unwind and connect with friends and family. However, it’s also essential to be mindful of how much screen time children are getting during their school break.

Digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become a significant part of daily life. On average, children aged 8–12 in the United States spend 4–6 hours daily using digital media, while teens can spend up to 9 hours or more. While screen time can be educational and support overall well-being, excessive use can lead to negative outcomes.

Types of Screen Time

Screen time can generally be categorized into four types beyond use for school or work:

  • Passive: Mindlessly watching videos or shows or scrolling without engagement.
  • Interactive: Playing games or engaging in problem-solving activities.
  • Communication: Using video chat or social media to connect with others.
  • Content Creation: Making digital art, music, or coding.

Though these activities can have value, it’s crucial to balance screen use with other activities for healthy development.

Risks of Excessive Screen Time

According to the Mayo Clinic, too much screen time has been associated with several risks, including:

  • Obesity or weight problems
  • Mood issues, such as anxiety or depression
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Reduced time with family and friends
  • Delays in language and social skills development
  • Attention problems
  • Poor school performance
  • Less time spent reading books

Developing a Personalized Media Plan

Recognizing the growing role of technology in children’s lives, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends creating a personalized media use plan tailored to each child’s age, personality, health, and family dynamics. Evidence suggests that focusing on content and engaging in co-viewing and communication about media use leads to better outcomes than limiting screen time alone.

Use the 5 C’s framework to guide your plan:

  • Child: Consider your child’s reactions and motivations for media use.
  • Content: Identify what is worth their attention.
  • Calm: Determine how media affects their ability to relax or sleep.
  • Crowding Out: Evaluate what activities media use may displace.
  • Communication: Foster discussions to help your child become a media-savvy and responsible user.

Guidelines for Different Age Groups

Infants (Under 18 Months)

  • Screen use should be limited to video chatting, facilitated by an adult, such as connecting with grandparents. Avoid other entertainment media at this age.

Toddlers (18–24 Months)

  • This critical developmental period is best supported through physical exploration and interaction. Limit screen time to watching educational programming with a caregiver, ensuring less than one hour daily. Caregivers should actively engage with the content by asking questions and relating it to real-world experiences.

Preschoolers (3–5 Years Old)

  • At this stage, children benefit from high-quality educational programs like Sesame Street, which can teach social and language skills. Limit non-educational screen time to one hour per day, and prioritize co-viewing interactive and educational content with caregivers.

Elementary-Age Children (5–10 Years Old)

  • With increasing access to devices, parents should ensure screen time doesn’t interfere with essential activities like sleep, homework, family time, and physical activity. Monitor and discuss your child’s media use to ensure safety and balance.

Adolescents (11+ Years Old)

  • Teens are more independent in their media choices. Engage them in conversations about what they watch, read, and share online. Discuss online safety, privacy, and responsible media use while helping them maintain a healthy balance.

Tips for Managing Screen Time

  1. Start Early: Introduce technology thoughtfully, without feeling pressured to do so too soon.
  2. Create Consistent Limits: Develop rules about time and content that suit your family’s needs.
  3. Co-View Media: Engage with your child’s media choices to promote critical thinking and learning.
  4. Prioritize Healthy Habits: Ensure that screen use doesn’t interfere with eating, sleeping, or exercise.
  5. Plan Screen-Free Activities: Schedule family activities that encourage connection and creativity.
  6. Use Family Tech Planners: Resources like those from Healthy Children or Common Sense Media can help families set and enforce screen time rules effectively.

Need Help?

If you have questions or concerns about managing your child’s screen time, your TopLine MD Alliance Pediatrician is here to help.

Creating a balanced media plan tailored to your family’s needs can promote healthy habits and ensure that digital media use enriches rather than detracts from your child’s development.

Dr. Gomathy Mohan is a proud member of the TopLine MD Alliance practicing Pediatric Care in Palm Beach County.

The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the affiliated physicians or practice groups.