What is Screen Time?
Screen time means the time spent looking at:
- TVs
- Phones
- Tablets
- Computers
- Video games
How Much Screen Time is OK?
Doctors say toddlers between 12 and 24 months should have very little screen time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:
- No screen time at all before 18 months (except video chatting)
- Less than 1 hour per day of high-quality programs for children 18-24 months
Why Limit Screen Time?
Toddlers learn by:
- Playing
- Talking with people
- Touching things
- Moving around
Screen time takes away from these important activities. Too much screen time can:
- Slow down learning to talk
- Make it harder to sleep
- Make it harder to focus later
Better Activities for Toddlers
Instead of screens, try these fun activities:
- Reading books together
- Playing with blocks or toys
- Going outside
- Singing songs
- Playing peek-a-boo
Tips for Parents
If you do allow some screen time:
- Watch together with your child
- Talk about what you’re seeing
- Choose shows made for learning (like Sesame Street)
- No screens during meals
- No screens at least 1 hour before bedtime
Remember: Your toddler learns the most from playing and talking with you!
