March 12, 2025
- Choose appropriate content. Use a free tool like commonsensemedia.org for recommendations and reviews.
- Use a TV for regular viewing instead of an iPad or phone. This way the whole house can hear what a child is watching, participate in co-viewing, and monitor for safety.
- Keep headphones off to avoid inappropriate content.
- Choose TV shows or movies instead of YouTube. YouTube has very few safety regulations and children can easily access addictive and harmful content.
- Set clear limits and boundaries around when screentime occurs and for how long.
- Communicate clear expectations of any behavior required to earn screentime (like doing chores first, or taking a bath, etc.).
- Avoid screens within an hour of bedtime.
- Balance minutes spent on a screen with time spent engaging in physical exercise (for example, 30 minutes of a show followed by 30 minutes outside walking or at the playground).
- Avoid using screens during meals. This can contribute to overeating and interfere with conversation and connection around family meals.
- Keep screens out of a child's bedroom. Research shows this helps with sleep, safety, and healthy limits.
