Screen Time Guidelines by Age: A Pediatrician-Approved Guide for Parents

Navigating screen time can feel overwhelming for parents. With tablets, phones, and televisions everywhere, many families ask: How much screen time is appropriate for my child?

According to experts at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, screen time guidelines by age should be based on a child’s developmental stage and balanced with healthy activities like sleep, physical movement, and family interaction.

Excessive screen time has been linked to challenges in sleep, attention, emotional regulation, and long-term cognitive development. Creating healthy media habits early can support your child’s overall growth.

Screen Time Recommendations by Age

Infants (0–2 Years Old)

Screen time should be strictly limited for infants.

This includes “background” television or phone use in the same room, which can disrupt focused play — a critical component of early brain development.

✔ Video calls with family and friends are appropriate.✘ Passive screen exposure should be avoided.

At this stage, interactive, screen-free activities like talking, singing, and play are essential for language and emotional development.

Toddlers (2–5 Years Old)

For toddlers, experts recommend:

Up to one hour per day of high-quality programming designed specifically for young children.

To make screen time more beneficial:

• Co-view programs with your child

• Ask questions about the content

• Encourage conversation

• Connect screen content to real-life experiences

Co-viewing transforms passive watching into active learning.

Elementary School-Age Children (5–12 Years Old)

For this age group, boundaries are key.

Rather than focusing only on hours, prioritize:

• 9–12 hours of sleep per night

• More than 1 hour of physical activity daily

• Consistent routines

Screen time should not replace sleep, exercise, or social interaction.

Establishing clear expectations around device use helps children build balanced habits.

Teens (13 Years and Older)

Research shows that excessive screen time can negatively impact teens’ mental and emotional well-being.

Work collaboratively with your teen to establish:

• Clear daily screen time limits

• Rules about where screens can be used

• Guidelines for appropriate content

• Prioritized sleep (8–10 hours per night)

• At least one hour of daily physical activity

Encouraging independence while maintaining structure supports responsible technology use.

Building a Healthy Family Media Plan

Experts recommend creating a family media plan that includes:

• Screen-free times during the week

• Screen-free zones in the home (such as bedrooms or dinner tables)

• Intentional family activities without devices

• Modeling healthy screen habits as parents

Designating screen-free spaces builds healthy rituals and strengthens family connection.

Interactive, screen-free activities — such as play, conversation, and shared experiences — remain essential for developing creativity, language, and emotional regulation.

Supporting Healthy Development Beyond Screens

While technology can offer educational benefits, it should complement — not replace —:

• Face-to-face interaction

• Outdoor play

• Imaginative exploration

• Social engagement

Balancing screen use with meaningful activities supports long-term cognitive and emotional development.

If you have questions about your child’s development, behavior, or emotional regulation, professional guidance can help.

👉 Schedule a Consultation

Works Cited

“Screen Time Guidelines for Kids, at Every Age: CHLA Experts Weigh In.” Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 2024.