For many kids, at least one item on the holiday wish list is a digital device. Phones, tablets and video games are pervasive in society. Plus, they provide access to friends and information and are often a status symbol for kids.

It’s difficult to imagine an existence without digital devices. Yet, it’s important to strike the right balance with these devices — especially in a child’s formative years.

I regularly encounter questions about how much screen time to allow children, especially since the pandemic when many kids and teens needed devices to attend school. Now that we’ve returned to more “normalcy,” parents might be struggling to find a way to extract their kids from the digital world.

And yet, many families also find benefits to screen time with internet connectivity. So, what’s a parent to do?

Why Is Too Much Screen Time Dangerous?

Accompanying the rise of digital exposure, research studies found that high amounts of screen time at young ages correlate with attention problems. As children get older, research has shown a relationship between excessive screen time and risk for depression.

We’ve tried to identify variables that might affect the relationship. What we are noticing is that it may be through the ‘interruption’ screen time induces to disrupt valuable activities for kids. Oftentimes, kids who have very high levels of screen time have lower levels of physical activity, reduced in-person social interactions and more sleep problems. These challenges may contribute to risks for depression or other physical health issues.

Some warning signs parents can look for is if their children start to become more reclusive or exhibit depressive behaviors, such as losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed. They might also put off homework in favor of other digital engagements (video games, social media), as well as neglect proper sleep, eating and hygiene.

Helpful Tips for Parents

Screen Time for Children Under Age Two

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends very little or no screen time for children under two years of age.

• How to respond: One way parents can try to mitigate screen time is to encourage and participate in non-digital activities as much as possible. When children are smaller, they learn a lot of behavioral habits from the simple act of “play” — behaviors that may not be properly adopted if play only occurs on a screen.

Screen Time for Children Two through Elementary Age

At two years and older, the recommendation is to limit it to two hours a day.

• How to respond: There’s a temptation for adults to use screen time to entertain or distract children because we have so many demands on us as parents. Parents may also allow screen time just to avoid conflict because it can be addictive for kids and hard to set boundaries. I think the biggest recommendation I give to families is to nurture healthy hobbies that don’t involve screen time.

Screen Time for Tweens and Teens

Of course, as kids progress into the preteen and teenage years, getting them away from screens becomes more difficult. In fact, many older children and teens spend a significant number of hours each day enjoying screen-time activities.

• How to respond: I suggest planning a recurring family activity (e.g., game night) where everyone is actively participating. Another tip is to set strict screen-free zones. For example, a rule could be that there are no screens at the dinner table or after a certain evening hour. This applies to everyone, too — parents included. It’s really important to model good digital behavior.

Learn More about Family Media Planning

For more resources or tips to create a family media plan, visit www.healthychildren.org.

Watch Dr. Chancey’s Podcast: Cell Phones, Digital Devices & Today’s Youth: How Much Is Too Much Screen Time?

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About Leigh Chancey, PhD

Dr. Leigh Chancey is a licensed psychologist with WakeMed Children’s and Mental Health & Well-Being. Her clinical interests include pediatric integrated care, collaboration with school systems, early intervention, and autism spectrum, behavioral, and anxiety disorders. She earned her master’s degree in school psychology and doctorate degree in health psychology from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Prior to joining WakeMed, Dr. Chancey advanced her clinical training at a pediatric psychology post-doctoral fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. She has also worked in several North Carolina school systems and independent practices for years.

Dr. Chancey approaches caring for patients as an opportunity to work together with youth and their families to promote positive outcomes through implementation of evidence-based practice. Outside of work, Dr. Chancey enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring new places and being outdoors, as well as swimming, and yoga. Dr. Chancey attended NC State University for her undergraduate degree and enjoys cheering on the Wolfpack sports teams.