In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere — and so are the challenges of managing them.
For parents, the key is to find a healthy balance between tech opportunities and real-life development.
Don’t overestimate the value of screen learning
Children under age 2 learn best through direct interaction with people and the world around them — not from passive screen exposure.
No app or show can replace the value of real-world play and human connection.
Too much screen time has real consequences
Research links excessive screen use to obesity, sleep problems, behavior issues, and delayed development in language and social skills.
Setting limits early is crucial for your child’s health and growth.
Quality matters more than quantity
It’s not just about how much screen time your child gets — it’s about what kind of content they’re exposed to.
Choose high-quality shows or apps that include music, movement, or storytelling to actively engage your child.
Watch and talk together
Don’t let your child consume media alone. Watch, listen, and play with them.
Talk about what’s happening on screen and help them connect it to the real world. It boosts understanding and learning.
Limit screen time for toddlers
Children aged 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time a day, and it should be age-appropriate and educational.
For kids under 18 months, screen time should be avoided except for video chatting.
Create screen-free zones and moments
Designate tech-free spaces and times — like mealtimes, family nights, and before bedtime. This helps promote family bonding, better sleep, and healthier routines.
Use tools to manage screen use
Take advantage of parental control apps and device timers. Keep screens out of bedrooms and set charging rules, like leaving devices outside the room overnight.
Teach your child digital thinking
Help your child develop critical thinking about what they see online.
Teach them to question whether something is true, understand how ads work, and recognize that not everything on the internet is trustworthy.
Talk about online safety and behavior
As your child becomes active on social media, discuss what’s appropriate and what isn’t.
Talk about cyberbullying, sexting, and privacy. Make it clear that once something is shared online, it can last forever.
Be a good role model
Your child is watching you. Show them how to use screens responsibly by setting limits for yourself too.
When you practice healthy digital habits, your child is more likely to follow suit.
Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra Mayo Clinic.