Parenting
Screen Time by Age: What the AAP Actually Recommends
The American Academy of Pediatrics' screen-time recommendations for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers — by age, in plain language.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen media before 18 months except live video chat; for 18–24 months, only high-quality programming watched together; and for ages 2–5, about one hour a day of high-quality content, co-viewed when you can. At every age the AAP advises keeping meals, playtime, and bedrooms screen-free and turning screens off about an hour before bed. What kids watch — and whether you watch with them — matters as much as the number on the clock.
Few parenting topics stir up as much guilt as screen time. The good news: the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) advice is more practical than "never" — it's about matching screens to your child's age, choosing good content, and protecting sleep and connection.
AAP screen-time recommendations by age
| Age | AAP guidance |
|---|---|
| Under 18 months | Avoid screen media other than live video chat (a FaceTime with grandparents is fine). |
| 18–24 months | If you introduce screens, pick high-quality programming and watch together — not solo watching. |
| 2–5 years | Limit to about 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, and co-view when you can. |
| 6 and up | Set consistent limits on time and content, and keep screens from crowding out sleep, activity, and family time. |
Why is video chat an exception?
The AAP treats live video chat differently because it's interactive and social — a real back-and-forth with a person, not passive watching.
Quality and co-viewing matter more than the clock
An hour of a slow, gentle show you watch together is very different from an hour of fast, autoplaying clips alone. Content and context are where most of the benefit — or harm — actually lives.
- Choose slow-paced, age-appropriate shows and apps over fast, hyper-stimulating ones.
- Watch together and talk about what you see — it turns screen time into shared time.
- Try not to rely on screens as the main way to calm big feelings, so kids can build other coping skills.
Simple family screen habits that stick
- Keep bedrooms screen-free — charge devices outside the room overnight.
- Make meals and playtime screen-free for everyone, parents included.
- Turn screens off about an hour before bed to protect sleep.
- Model the limits you set — kids copy what they see you do.
Editorial content in progress
Add a printable one-page Family Media Plan template (time limits + tech-free zones by age) and a short reviewed section on screen time and sleep, citing AAP. Do not add clinical claims without a source.
Looking for what to do instead of a screen? Our screen-free activity ideas has options by age, indoors and out, and a solid bedtime routine makes the pre-sleep screen cutoff a lot easier to hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a little screen time bad for toddlers?
A small amount of high-quality, co-viewed content isn't something to feel guilty about. The AAP's concern is with heavy solo use — and with screens displacing sleep, play, and interaction — more than with any single show.
Does video chatting with grandparents count against the limit?
No. The AAP treats live video chat as an exception because it's interactive and social, unlike passive watching.
What counts as "high-quality" programming?
Slower-paced, age-appropriate shows and apps designed to be watched or used with a caregiver, without aggressive ads or endless autoplay. Public-media kids' shows are a common example.
Sources & Further Reading
- Media and Young Minds (Policy Statement) — American Academy of Pediatrics (reviewed 2026-08-12)
Related Guides
Screen-Free Activities for Kids
Screen-free activity ideas for kids of different ages, sorted so you can find one fast.
Building a Bedtime Routine That Works
A simple, consistent bedtime routine that helps kids wind down and fall asleep more easily.
Indoor Activities for Toddlers
Simple indoor activities for toddlers you can set up in minutes with things you already have at home.
Mom's Magazine Editorial Team
Editorial Team
The Mom's Magazine editorial team researches and writes practical, plainly-sourced guidance for parents and families. Guides are reviewed for accuracy and updated as recommendations change. Where a topic calls for professional expertise, we cite reputable organizations and, for health topics, add a qualified reviewer before publishing.
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