Guidance on Screen Use in Children: A Parent’s Essential Guide

Hi, I’m Debra, a certified Sleep Sense Consultant, and I understand how challenging it can be to manage screen time for your little ones. How often have you seen a toddler glued to a tablet screen, mesmerized by colorful animations? Which brings us to one of the topics of today’s blog posts- how much screen time is too much? When should you be worried? 

Screen use in children is a hot topic among parents, educators, and health professionals. With digital devices becoming an inevitable part of our lives, it’s crucial to strike a balance between the benefits and potential harm of screen exposure. As a sleep consultant, I have seen firsthand how screen time can affect children’s sleep patterns and overall well-being. This guide will help you understand screen time recommendations for different age groups and provide actionable tips to foster healthy screen habits for your child. 

Why Screen Time Matters 

Screens are everywhere—smartphones, tablets, laptops, and televisions dominate modern households. While screens can be educational and entertaining, excessive use can negatively impact children’s brain development, attention span, sleep quality, and social skills. Understanding the right balance is key to raising healthy, well-rounded children. 

Screen Time Guidelines by Age Group 

1. Newborns to 18 Months 

Recommended Screen Time: No screen exposure except for interactive video calls with family members. 

Why? At this stage, babies’ brains develop rapidly through physical interaction, play, and verbal communication with caregivers. Screen exposure may interfere with these essential developmental activities. However, if family members are based abroad, or if there are limitations (such as the covid-19 lockdown period), then interaction with family members through video calls is better than no interaction at all. 

Interestingly, there’s also studies that indicate babies should also not be exposed to background TV. Although they are not actively watching, their orienting response (a reflex that fixes their attention on new sights and sounds) is hampered as their brains try to figure out what’s happening (Is this sound threatening, is it important?) without the chance to process any input.   

Tip: Engage in face-to-face interactions like singing, talking, and reading. Avoid background TV noise as it can reduce the quality of interactions. 

2. 18 Months to 6 Years 

Recommended Screen Time: Less than 1 hour per day of high-quality educational content. 

Why? Excessive screen time may affect attention span, problem-solving skills, and language development. 

Healthy Practices: 

• Co-view content with your child and discuss it to enhance understanding. 

• Avoid using screens during meals or one hour before bedtime. 

• Encourage interactive playtime and outdoor activities. 

• Avoid using screens as a pacifier for tantrums. 

3. 7 to 12 Years 

Recommended Screen Time: Less than 2 hours per day, excluding school-related work. 

Why? Children are at risk of developing digital dependency, reduced physical activity, and poor social skills. 

Healthy Practices: 

• Establish a screen-use plan, ensuring time for exercise, sleep, and face-to-face social interactions. 

• Monitor content and set parental controls to avoid inappropriate exposure. 

• Discuss online safety, including cyberbullying and privacy concerns. 

• Encourage offline hobbies like reading, sports, or creative arts. 

The Role of Social Media and Mobile Devices 

As children grow, they become more curious about social media platforms and personal mobile devices. However, research highlights potential risks: 

• Children under 13 should not have access to social media platforms. Exposure to unfiltered content can affect self-esteem and mental health. 

• Excessive mobile device usage can lead to addiction like behaviors, restlessness, and poor academic performance. 

Tip: Ensure content filters and time restrictions are in place. 

Signs of Screen Overuse and What to Do 

Excessive screen time can lead to: 

• Increased irritability or withdrawal when not using devices. 

• Poor sleep quality and difficulty falling asleep. 

• Reduced interest in offline activities and social interactions. 

• Decline in academic performance. 

How to Address It: 

• Set a Screen Schedule – Balance screen time with other activities. 

• Encourage Active Screen Use – Opt for educational programs and interactive games over passive watching. 

• Be a Role Model – Limit your own screen time and engage in screen-free activities together. 

• Seek Professional Help if Needed – If screen dependency becomes a concern, consult a pediatrician or child development expert. 

Creating a Healthy Digital Environment in Singapore 

Living in a fast-paced digital society like Singapore makes it challenging to limit screen use. However, simple steps can ensure a balanced digital diet: 

• Utilize Parental Resources – The Ministry of Health (MOH) provides valuable resources on screen-time guidelines. Check out MOH’s advisory for more insights. 

• Create Screen-Free Zones – Designate areas like the dining table and bedrooms as screen-free zones to encourage conversation and better sleep habits. 

• Encourage Outdoor Play – Singapore offers many child-friendly parks like Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and East Coast Park, perfect for outdoor fun. 

• Use Screen Time Wisely – Leverage apps that promote active learning rather than passive consumption. 

Conclusion 

Screens are an integral part of modern childhood, but responsible screen use is key to raising healthy and socially engaged children. By following recommended guidelines, setting boundaries, and encouraging offline activities, parents can ensure their children develop healthy digital habits from a young age. 

As a certified Sleep Sense Consultant, I have seen how excessive screen time can affect sleep patterns and overall development. If you’re struggling with managing your child’s screen habits, reach out to me—I’d love to help you create a balanced routine that works for your family. 

FAQs 

What are the guidelines for screen time for children?  

Screen time guidelines vary by age, with recommendations emphasizing limited and high-quality content. Children under 18 months should have no screen time except for video chatting, while children 18 months to 6 years should have less than an hour of screen use daily. Older children (7-12 years) should limit non-educational screen time to under two hours per day. 

WHO guidelines for screen time by age? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children under 2 years avoid screen time entirely, except for video calls. For children aged 2 to 5 years, screen time should be limited to one hour per day, focusing on high-quality, educational content. Children over 5 should balance screen use with physical activity and adequate sleep.

How much screen time should the average child have? 

The average child should have no more than one to two hours of recreational screen time per day, depending on their age. Excessive screen time can interfere with sleep, social interactions, and physical activities, making it important to establish balanced screen habits.  

How screen time affects children? 

Excessive screen time can negatively impact children's attention span, cognitive development, and sleep quality. It may also lead to increased sedentary behavior, affecting physical health and increasing the risk of obesity. However, appropriate and educational screen use, when balanced with other activities, can be beneficial for learning and development. 

How much TV time is appropriate for a 2-year-old? 

A 2-year-old should have no more than one hour of high-quality, supervised screen time per day. Co-viewing content with caregivers helps improve language development and comprehension, while excessive screen exposure can hinder social and motor skill development. 

Is 4 hours of screen time bad?  

Yes, 4 hours of screen time can be excessive, especially for younger children, as it can lead to reduced physical activity, poor sleep, and attention difficulties. It is important to balance screen time with outdoor play, reading, and face-to-face interactions to promote overall well-being.  

Should parents limit their kids' screen time? 

Yes, parents should set healthy screen-time limits to ensure children engage in other essential activities like sleep, exercise, and social interaction. Using parental controls, setting screen-free zones, and encouraging alternative activities can help children develop healthy digital habits. 

How much screen time is healthy for eyes? 

To protect eye health, children should follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes of screen use, they should take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. Limiting screen use to 1-2 hours per day for recreational purposes and ensuring good lighting conditions can help prevent digital eye strain.