Screen Time in a Digital Age

As children and adolescents use screen media in a variety of activities like school, work, connecting with their friends and family members, playing games, browsing social media, watching videos, learning new tasks, catching up on the news and more, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends considering the quality of interactions with digital media as opposed to the amount of time or quantity.

Screen Use and Wellbeing

Two young students viewing a laptop screen in a student lounge.

The relationship between overall health and wellbeing in relation to screen time use is described as complex and dependent on a variety of factors such as developmental periods, types of devices used and demographic and contextual factors such as geographic location. It is also important to consider the individual and how it helps them grow including developing their identity, social skills, thinking and emotions.

Screen time could affect wellbeing if the following is occurring: distracts youth and teens from school or work, using devices to escape bad emotions, being harassed or trolled, feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or depression are surfacing, and they spend more time online than with family and friends.

Until more research is done that establishes safe usage limits, use the recommendations below.

Recommendations for Parents and Caregivers

Supporting children and teens in the use of social media that contributes to their social, emotional, cognitive and identity development is recommended as opposed to setting limits. This will work best when rules about balance, co-viewing content, and communication are used instead of screen time rules.

Recommendations also include helping your child practice media balance, teach teens to take control of their media use, role model positive media use and balance, and explore the impact of social media on youth mental health as it develops.