In a world where tablets, TVs, and smartphones are everywhere, managing screen time for kids is one of today’s biggest parenting challenges. Whether it's online games, cartoons, or schoolwork, screens have crept into almost every corner of childhood.
But how much screen time is too much, and what can you do about it? This guide explores the effects of excessive screen time on child development, the official recommendations, and how to reduce screen time for kids in realistic ways that suit your family.
What are the effects of excessive screen time on child development?
Too much screen time can impact everything from sleep to language development, especially in younger children. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC links excessive screen use with a variety of concerns, including:
-
Sleep disturbances and behavioural problems
-
Reduced physical activity and motor skills development
-
Social skill delays and emotional understanding issues
-
Lower academic achievement and cognitive abilities
-
Increased risk of obesity and mental health challenges
Spending more than four hours a day in front of a screen has been associated with lower well-being in children and adolescents. And it’s not just about the hours but also the content.
Violent content, passive viewing, and solo screen use can all have more negative effects than high-quality programming or co-viewing with a parent.
What is the recommended amount of screen time for kids?
Screen time guidelines vary by a child’s age and developmental stage. Here's a quick overview based on leading advice from Common Sense Media, the AAP, and disease control experts:
-
Children younger than 18 months: No screen time, except for video chatting
-
Ages 18–24 months: Limited high-quality programming with adult supervision
-
Preschool children (2–5 years): No more than one hour per day of educational content, co-watched with a parent
-
School-aged children (6+ years): Limit screen time to two hours of recreational use daily; encourage physical activity and healthy habits
-
Older children and teens: Balance screen use with offline time, sleep, and social interaction
Note: These are general benchmarks. What matters most is your child’s overall well-being and how screen time fits into their day.
How to reduce screen time for kids
Reducing screen time doesn’t have to mean banning screens altogether. Instead, focus on setting boundaries, offering alternatives, and modelling healthy habits. Here are some practical tips:
1. Set age-appropriate time limits
Use parental controls or timers to cap how long your child can use devices each day. Keep screens out of bedrooms, especially close to bedtime, to avoid sleep problems.
2. Swap screen time for outdoor time
Encourage real-world play by making the outdoors fun and accessible. A climbing frame, sandpit, or garden swing can be more exciting than another episode of a show, and they promote physical activity, imagination, and social skills too.
Not got tons of space at home to work with? Not to worry! There are plenty of small garden play area ideas on our blog to help you make the most of your outdoor space.
3. Create a media plan
Set rules about when and where screens can be used, such as no screens at the table or during family time. Use a media use plan (many free ones are available online) to stay consistent.
4. Lead by example
Children model their behaviour on adults. If they see you scrolling all day, they’re more likely to do the same. Show them it’s possible to unwind without a screen.
5. Encourage educational programming
Not all screen time is bad. Some high-quality shows (like Sesame Street) can teach children positive behaviours and language skills, especially when co-viewed with a parent.
6. Get them moving
If your child loves video games, try games that involve movement or problem-solving. Better yet, replace some screen time with active alternatives, such as bouncing on a trampoline, making a mess with a mud kitchen, or building a den in the back garden.
7. Make boredom a good thing
When screens aren’t an option, children learn to get creative. Let them feel bored! It often leads to imaginative play and problem-solving. Keep outdoor toys, books, and simple crafts handy as backup.
8. Start early
Setting screen time boundaries from a young age helps establish healthy habits for the long run. Early limits encourage kids to choose active play, social interaction, and hands-on learning over hours of passive screen use.
Sensory-rich activities like playing in a sandpit, splashing in a pool, or planting in a kids potting table can be especially beneficial for little ones, supporting their coordination, curiosity, and communication skills.
Supporting your child’s health and well-being
Cutting back on screen time has a powerful effect on children’s health, from improved sleep and better behaviour to stronger emotional regulation. It’s particularly important in early childhood development, when young brains are rapidly growing.
Outdoor play also has its benefits. It boosts motor skills, strengthens bones, encourages social interaction, and improves mental health. To read more on this, check out our guides to the benefits of outdoor play for children and why toddler outdoor play is important.
Swap screen time for outdoor fun
Looking to reduce screen time and spark more active, imaginative play? Outdoor Toys has everything you need to get your kids excited about spending time outdoors, from garden swings and climbing frames to paddling pools and playhouses.
Explore our wide range of outdoor toys and turn your garden into the ultimate adventure zone.
