going deeper

Screen time is a battle many parents are familiar with. And with summer here, it can be even more challenging for parents to manage – and limit – screen time for their children of all ages.

It can also be a difficult for parents to stay up-to-date on the latest recommendations. The World Health Organization recommends children under two years of age have no screen time, and that children ages 2-4 should only have one hour of screen time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations are similar:

• No screen time for children under age two
• One hour of high-quality programming for children ages 3-5
• Consistent rules and limits on screen time for children over age 6 with plenty of opportunity and encouragement to be active and healthy.

Keep your kids entertained all summer with a few screen time alternatives:

• Go on a walk
• Visit a new park
• Head to a museum or the zoo
• Read together
• Play a game of wiffle ball, baseball or soccer in your backyard
• Have a game night
• Do science experiments
• Make crafts
• Do a puzzle together
• Visit the library

There are many fun, healthy and active ways to spend time together as a family – and to help break your child’s screen time habit.