Parenting can be challenging, and screen use is a common concern for families. The goal is to support healthy development, communication, sleep, and safety while using technology as a tool, not a substitute for interaction and play.

Key Guidelines for Different Ages 

• Birth to 24 months: No screen time except for video calls with family or friends as a means of bonding. Prefer hands-on, interactive play with caregivers and real-world experiences.
• 2 to 5 years: Limit screen time to short, high-quality educational content. Co-view with your child to help them understand what they are seeing. Avoid screens as a default activity; prioritize play, reading, and outdoor time.
• 5 to 12 years: Aim for age-appropriate limits, with careful monitoring of content. Encourage a mix of physical activity, school responsibilities, and screen time. Keep screens out of bedrooms during the night, especially for younger children.
• 12 years and older: Set expectations for responsible use, balanced with academics, sleep, and family time. Encourage healthy habits around social media and online safety. Be mindful of screen time in shared family spaces.

Practical Recommendations 

• Screen-free time: Avoid screens between birth and 24 months, except for video calls with family and friends; for older children, set reasonable daily limits.
• Limit total screen time for children aged 2 to 5 years to short, supervised sessions (not more than about 30 minutes per day when possible) and prioritize interactive, educational content.
• Use high-quality, age-appropriate content and, whenever possible, view together with your child to help them understand and apply what they see.
• When possible, avoid using screens to calm or settle a Encourage calming, non-screen activities (e.g., reading, gentle outdoor time, quieter play) when a child is upset.
• For children under 5, avoid screens as part of the bedtime routine. Help them establish a regular sleep pattern with screens turned off well before bedtime.
• Keep screens out of mealtimes to reduce distractions and promote family conversation and healthy eating habits.
• For children aged 5 to 12, limit screen time to a reasonable amount on weekdays and weekends (e.g., 1 to 2 hours per day, depending on activity and school demands). Avoid it at the expense of physical activity, sleep, and crucial family time. Prefer family activity time on weekends.
• Monitor and reflect on your own media use and model healthy Be mindful of your child’s usage, including social media and online interactions.
• Phones, tablets, and computers should not be in a child’s bedroom Keep devices in common areas where supervision is possible.
• Consider your family’s values and routines when setting Encourage a balanced approach to technology, including time for schoolwork, reading, and outdoor activity.
• Discuss online safety and etiquette with your Teach them to recognize and avoid unsafe content, cyberbullying, and privacy risks.
• Be proactive about safety: watch for signs of mood changes, sleep problems, or behavioral changes associated with excessive screen use. Seek guidance if concerns arise.

Tips for Parents

• Create a family plan: Decide on daily/weekly screen limits and agree on where devices can be used (e.g., not in bedrooms).
• Co-view and talk: Watch with your child when possible and discuss what you’re
• Ask open-ended questions to promote thinking and understanding.
• Use technology to enhance learning: Choose high-quality educational apps and programs, and set purposeful goals (e.g., learn a new vocabulary word, complete a puzzle together).
• Encourage active play: Schedule regular outdoor time, physical activity, and hands-on activities that don’t involve screens.
• Establish a bedtime routine: Ensure screens are off at least 1 hour before bedtime to