Screen Time for 0 - 2 year-olds

In my experience, screen time is a very sensitive issue for many moms. So I want to start by saying this post is only to provide information - no judgments. Every parent has to make the best decision for their child/family in their situation.

For my family, we decided before my son was born that we were going to have a 0 screen time policy until age two. So far, we have achieved this (21 months). I am glad we decided before he was born because there have been many times when I wanted to turn the TV on for him, but have stuck to my original decision.

So I am sharing information on screen time below so that you have all of the information on screen time for children ages 0 to 2.

Screen Time Recommendations:

Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization recommend that children ages 0 to 2 have no screen time?

(Note: Video chatting with grandparents, family, and friends is the exception to this because it is considered quality time interacting with others).

AAP, UNICEF, and Kids Health provide the following information for screen time:

Why avoid screen time?

• Children under age two cannot learn from digital media as they can learn from interactions with caregivers

• They have difficulty transferring knowledge learned in digital media to real life

• It affects sleep - children exposed to screens have shorter sleep durations

• Screens reduce empathy

• Affects their ability to control impulses - being bored teaches kids how to cope with frustration and control their impulses

• Affects attention span

• Children who are not exposed to screens are more likely to have better social and cognitive skills as well as be healthier as they grow

If Screen Time is Necessary:

So I know there may be times when screen time is necessary. For example, when you need to get something done. Below are some tips to make screen time beneficial (benefits will likely be minimal to nothing until 18 months).

• Watch with your child (or know what they are watching) and talk about what they are watching (preferably during the programming)

• Reteach what is being taught in the programming your child is watching.

• Try to only allow screen time earlier in the day, so it does not affect sleep

• Only allow your child to watch high-quality, educational programming.

• Limit screen time as much as possible (less than one hour per day)

• Research games or apps before allowing your child to play them -- personal recommendation: try to choose games/apps that do not automatically play a sound or reward at timed intervals (these make games addicting)

• Be sure your child is getting plenty of non-screen time in their day

• Turn off devices during meals

• Set a good example - model the behavior you want them to have (I know this is one I need to work on sometimes!)

If you have questions about media use, be sure to talk to your child's doctor.

Tips for No Screen Time:

As I mentioned earlier, we have chosen no screen time for our little one. So I wanted to share some tips in case you would also like to try no screen time.

1. Be Prepared - have age-appropriate toys and come up with activities and games so you have an idea of what you will do with your little one.

2. Be engaged - play with them and have fun

3. Try to stay off your phone (I admit, I sometimes have a hard time with this one!)

4. Play outside - research shows being outside increases happiness so no one will miss screens

5. Encourage independent, self-directed play for when you need to get things done: Let your child direct the play, so you are not entertaining them

6. Have a toddler stool - we have one for our kitchen and my son loves to be in the kitchen helping and watching what is going on (this makes it easier to cook and clean in the kitchen)

7. Have a good number (not too many but enough to keep them entertained) of toys that foster imagination and creativity. Toys without batteries are great!

8. Have toys and books that they can access without your help.

9. Be sure their space is safe, so your attention can be elsewhere when trying to accomplish something.

10. Let your child be - trust them to decide what to play with and for how long; let them play and explore without interruption; let them struggle a little bit because that is how they will learn (this is so hard for me because I want to help him when he is struggling!)

If your child has already had screen time and you would like to reduce it, you can find some great tips here.

We have had a great experience limiting screen time for our little one - I think it has been the healthiest option for the whole family. At age two, we will likely allow some educational digital media in small amounts, but I plan to strictly limit it still. I am planning on doing more research on screen time for older kids in the future and I will definitely share it! Remember that the AAP recommends the following screen times for all ages of kids:

• No screen time for children under 2

• One hour per day for children 2 to 12

• Two hours per day for teens and adults

Remember Mama, you are doing a great job! You got this!