How Much Screen Time Is Healthy for Young Children?
- Jonna Liban
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Screens are a part of everyday life, but too much screen time can affect your child’s development, sleep, and social skills. The key isn’t banning technology - it’s teaching healthy habits. At Malvern Academy, we encourage families to find balance.
Why Screen Time Matters
In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to avoid gadgets. Phones, tablets, and TVs are everywhere, and many parents rely on them to keep children entertained. But how much screen time is healthy for toddlers and preschoolers?
Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
Children under 18–24 months: Avoid digital media except video-chatting.
18–24 months: If introducing media, choose high-quality content and co-view with your child. Avoid solo media use.
Children 2–5 years: Limit to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, co-view, and help children understand what they see.
All ages: Avoid fast-paced, violent, or overly stimulating content. Don’t use media as the primary way to calm children.
Screen-free times: Keep bedrooms, mealtimes, and playtime screen-free. Remove screens 1 hour before bedtime.
Monitor and participate: Check apps, play together, and involve your child in evaluating media content.
The Negative Impact of Too Much Screen Time
Excessive screen use can affect multiple aspects of a child’s development:
Delayed Social Skills: Spending too much time on screens can reduce opportunities for face-to-face interaction, affecting communication and emotional understanding.
Reduced Physical Activity: Screen-heavy routines often replace active play, which can contribute to obesity and weaker motor skills.
Sleep Disruption: Exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, can interfere with falling asleep and achieving restorative sleep.
Attention and Focus Challenges: Overuse of fast-paced or highly stimulating media may impact a child’s ability to concentrate on slower, real-world tasks.
Behavioral Issues: Frustration, tantrums, or dependency on gadgets can arise when screen time is overused or unrestricted.
Impaired Imagination: Children may rely on passive content instead of engaging in creative, imaginative play.
Expert Insights from Pediatric Professionals
Dr. Jenny Radesky, developmental behavioral pediatrician and lead author of the AAP’s media guidelines, explains:
“Screens aren’t inherently bad, but they can displace important developmental experiences like play, sleep, and family interactions if not used thoughtfully.” (AAP News, 2019)
She encourages parents to:
Prioritize interactive, real-world experiences - especially for babies and toddlers.
Watch content together with preschoolers.
Establish tech-free zones (like mealtimes or before bed) to strengthen family connections.
These tips align with the AAP’s Media and Young Minds policy, which emphasizes balance over strict bans.
A Mother’s Perspective
Some parents have noticed real benefits after reducing screens. For instance, Kirstie Lewis, a UK mother, shared that after she completely removed screen time for her 3-year-old, three major positive shifts occurred: her daughter became noticeably more affectionate, she engaged in independent imaginative play, and tantrums nearly disappeared - plus, she started enjoying interactions with her sibling more.
“She's initiating play, she'll go into her playroom, she'll be engaged for longer... Now, she will stick to a game for a long time... The tantrums… have also practically vanished and are now ‘non-existent.’” - Kirstie Lewis
How to Encourage Play Instead of Gadgets
Here are some practical tips that both pediatricians and parents recommend:
Set Screen-Free Zones
Make mealtimes, bedrooms, and family time gadget-free.
Offer Fun Alternatives
Provide crayons, puzzles, building blocks, or even simple household tasks as activities.
Join the Play
Children are more likely to play when parents get involved, reading a story, dancing, or playing outside.
Create a Routine
Keep screen time limited to a specific schedule (e.g., one hour after dinner). Children thrive on structure.
Model Good Behavior
Kids copy adults. If they see you scrolling all day, they’ll want to do the same. Show them balance by spending time outdoors or reading.
Final Thoughts
Finding a healthy balance with screen time is essential for your child’s overall development. While technology can offer educational benefits, nothing replaces real-world play, family interaction, and hands-on learning. By setting limits, modeling balanced habits, and encouraging imaginative and active play, parents can help children grow, learn, and thrive in both digital and offline worlds.
At Malvern Academy, we support families in creating thoughtful screen-time habits that foster creativity, strengthen family bonds, and lay the foundation for lifelong healthy routines.
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