As children receive smartphones at increasingly younger ages and have access to televisions, tablets, video games, and other technologies at home, they spend much more time in front of screens, which can strain their visual system.

How much time can a child spend in front of a screen?

• Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video chats with family or friends.
• Ages 2 to 5: No more than one hour per day for shared viewing with parents, siblings, or other family members.
• Ages 5 to 17: Typically no more than two hours per day, excluding homework.

When setting rules, consider not only the total time a child spends in front of screens but also encourage frequent breaks to prevent eye strain and avoid habituation.

Basic screen time guidelines:

Avoid using smartphones as pacifiers: don’t use them to calm a sad child, occupy them while you’re busy, or as a magical solution during tantrums.
Create a family taboo on gadgets during meals and face-to-face conversations.
Turn off all screens and Wi-Fi an hour before bedtime.
Familiarize yourself with and install parental control apps on your children’s devices.
Establish a screen time schedule and rules: the rules should apply to the whole family, and the schedule can vary based on the children’s ages.
When a child asks for screen time, have alternative engaging activities ready.