For Parents
Two Hours or Fewer of Screen Time Each Day
Give your TV a nap and send the kids out to play!
Using screen time for homework is fine, but make sure to limit the time your children recreationally watch television, play video games or surf the web to no more than two hours per day. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children age two or younger not watch any television.
Here are some great reasons to limit screen time:
- Children need to be active
- When engaged in screen time children are more likely to eat unhealthy snacks
- Too much screen time may lead to attention difficulties
- The content is often inappropriate (violence/sexual/language)
- Children are vulnerable to the influence of commercial advertising
- Keep TVs, computers and video games out of children’s bedrooms
- Turn electronic devices off during meal times
- Keep homework time TV-free
- Set a screen time schedule—plan viewing in advance
- Be a role model—show your children you too can limit screen time
- Keep family friendly board games handy
- Use an automatic timer to turn off power to TV
- Go for a walk
- Ride a bike
- Dance to favorite music
- Plant a garden
- Play ball (basket ball, base ball, tennis)
- Have children help prepare healthy family meals
- Play charades