The Australian recommendations for screen time are:

• No screen time for children under 2 years
• Less than 1 hour each day on high-quality educational screens for children aged 2 to 5 years
• Engage with your child instead through activities such as reading, drawing, singing, puzzles and storytelling.

It is best to limit your child’s screen time. Too much screen time can:

• Limit a child’s time for active play and learning
• Slow the development of language skills
• Lead to less sleep, eye problems, weight gain and attention or behaviour problems
• Affect brain development, communication and social skills.

Being active and limiting your own use of screens can help you to be a good role model for your child.

If you choose to give your child screen time, choose high quality educational shows and games where you can interact with your child. Recommendations of good programs can be found online at childrenandmedia.org.au

More information can also be found in our Children and screen time factsheet or on the 10,000 steps website.