Question about screen time limits - how much is too much?

Jan 9·1 min read

Got two kids - 4 and 8. During the pandemic we got pretty relaxed about screens and now honestly we're not sure how to dial it back. They're not glued to devices or anything but like... 2 hours on a Saturday feels normal to us now when I'm pretty sure that's not ideal. Other parents - what does a typical day look like for you guys? Are you strict about it or is this just how it is with kids now?

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Comments(5)

WWyatt C.RegularJan 9

The American Academy of Pediatrics says 1-2 hours of quality content for school age kids. Your 4yo probably shouldn't be getting much at all but I get that surviving the pandemic was just about survival mode. We're all trying to course correct now.

TTrevorNew DadJan 10

Honestly I gave up on being strict about it and just made sure my 8yo isn't watching garbage. He watches educational stuff and nature documentaries mostly and I can live with that. Some parents act like any screen time is poison but they also have no idea what it's like.

KKevin M.RegularJan 9

We do 30 minutes max on school days, no screens an hour before bed. On weekends we're more relaxed. The pandemic thing is real though, nobody should feel guilty about what got you through that time.

MMike P.New DadJan 10

My pediatrician told us to focus on sleep and physical activity first, then worry about screens. Once my kids were getting outside and burning energy, the screen time naturally became less of an issue because they were actually tired at bedtime.

PPaul M.RegularJan 11

We went cold turkey on screens during the week and only allow it on weekends now. It was rough the first two weeks but honestly my 5 and 7 year old are way less cranky. The key was having a real plan for what they do instead, not just hoping they'll entertain themselves.