How much screen time is okay for children? Limits by age

Last reviewed 2026-09-24

How much screen time should my child have?

WHO advises no screen time under 2 years (except video calls), about 1 hour a day for ages 2–5 co-viewed with an adult, and for older children consistent limits that protect sleep, activity and homework.

Screen time by age

Under 2 years	None, except video calls with family
2–5 years	Up to 1 hour a day, high-quality content, watched together
6–12 years	Consistent limits; screens never replace sleep, 60 min activity or homework
Teenagers	Agreed family media plan; phones out of bedrooms at night

Practical rules that work

No screens during meals or in the hour before bed.
Keep devices in shared rooms, not bedrooms.
Use parental controls and watch together where possible.
Parents model the habit — put your own phone away too.

When to see a paediatrician

Speech delay in a toddler with heavy screen use
Sleep, mood or school performance dropping
Distress or aggression when screens are removed

Sources

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor.

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