Screen Time and Toddlers: Evidence-Based Guidelines

Screen time has become an unavoidable part of modern family life. Here's what the evidence says about managing it for children under 5.

WHO Guidelines at a Glance

• Under 1 year: no screen time at all (except video calls)
• 1�2 years: only high-quality video calls with family
• 2�5 years: limit to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming

Quality Matters More Than Quantity

Not all screen time is equal. Educational content with characters children can interact with (think co-viewing and discussing) is far better than passive TV in the background.

Signs of Too Much Screen Time

Watch out for tantrums when screens are taken away, sleep disturbances, reduced interest in physical play, and reduced eye contact during conversations.

Practical Tips

• Create screen-free zones (bedroom, dining table)
• Never use screens as a reward or punishment
• Watch content together and talk about it
• Ensure at least 3 hours of physical activity daily for toddlers