Watch 2 Hours or Less of Recreational Screen Time Each Day
Importance of Reducing Screen Time
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the typical child watches an average of 5-6 hours of television a day. Watching too much television is associated with an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity, lower reading scores, and attention problems. The AAP recommends that children under age 2 shouldn't watch any television. For children age 2 and older, the AAP recommends no TV or computer in the room in which the child sleeps, and no more than 2 hours of screen time a day.
Here’s the deal…
Teenagers (ages 13-18) use an average of 9 hours of entertainment media per day and tweens (ages 8-12) use an average of 6 hours a day (not including time spent using media for school or homework).
Parents of tweens and teens spend an average of more than 9 hours a day on screens. More than 80% of that time is for pleasure, not work. Yet, 78% of parents feel they are good role models for their children when it comes to media and technology.
Quick Healthy Tips
Keep books and board games in the family room.
Make a list of fun activities to do instead of sitting in front of a screen.
Designate media-free times together, such as dinner or driving, as well as media-free locations at home, such as bedrooms.
Be a role model for your family! Follow your own rules - children model behavior, so set a good example with your own screen time habits. Avoid watching programs containing adult content when children are nearby.
Get Kids Up & Moving!
Stuck in the same routines? Want to get kids off the couch and out of the house? Looking for new ways to get your kids active? We have lots of fun, easy, and innovative ways to get kids, and families, up off the couch and active!
Current Guidelines
Children Under 18 Months
Avoid the use of screen media, other than video-chats with family and friends.
Children 18-24 Months
Parents who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming such as the content offered by Sesame Workshop and PBS, and watch it with their children to help them understand what they’re seeing.
Children 2-5 Years Old
Limit screen use to 1 hour of high-quality programs. Parents should co-view media with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.
Children 6 Years and Older
Place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and the types of media. Make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity, and other behaviors essential to health.
Don’t forget…Have ongoing communication about online citizenship and safety, including treating others with respect and kindness both online and offline.
Turn on the Fun!
Life is more fun when you join in! Instead of using your phone, tablet, or computer, watching TV, or playing video games, try these fun activities:
Try a new activity such as yoga, dancing, or kickboxing.
Use your wheels – bicycle, skateboard, or rollerblades – to get around. Don’t forget your helmet and safety gear!
Take your dog for a walk around the neighborhood or to a local park.
Challenge your family or friends to an active competition.
Have friends over for a dance party, hula-hoop contest, or game of Frisbee.
Do jumping jacks, push-ups, or sit-ups while you watch TV. Or, turn on music and dance around during commercials.
Play a board game with friends or family.
Get outside and play ball – basketball, baseball, soccer, or football!
Head to the local library and check out a new book to read.
Spend time catching up with your family.
Use your imagination and play charades!
Head to the beach with friends or family – remember to pack sunscreen!
Put together a puzzle.
Go for a walk, jog, or run, and push yourself to go a little farther each day.
