Screen Time: How Much Is Too Much?

Screen time must be limited and managed. Many studies have documented the negative effects, but you don’t even need a study to know this. Just think about how addictive smartphones are for adults.

Now remember: some of the smartest people in the world are in Silicon Valley designing these products to make them even more addictive.

If grown adults struggle to put their phones down, imagine how easily habits form in young, developing brains.

There have been babies for millions of years.
There have been iPads for about two decades.

Human development did not evolve with touchscreens in strollers.

If you never get into the habit of placing a screen in your baby’s hand, they will never form the habit of expecting one. Habits are easier to prevent than to undo.

Why did we move the drinking age from 18 to 21? Because the brain is still forming into the early twenties. This is also why we don’t allow children to smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. Addictive behaviors rewire developing brains.

Excessive screen use can do the same.

A 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found associations between heavy screen use in young children and differences in brain development related to language and literacy skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consistent limits and ensuring screens do not replace sleep, physical activity, reading, and face-to-face interaction.

Screens on airplanes? I support them. Public peace has value.

But using screens daily as a babysitter? That deserves reflection.

When it comes to social media, I encourage every parent to watch the documentary The Social Dilemma (Netflix). Many of the tech executives and engineers who helped build these platforms do not allow their own children to use them freely. That should make us pause.

Here is something else to remember:

You are the adult.

You know what is good for your child. If your child asks for a phone in third grade, that does not mean they are ready for one. I would personally nominate any parent who waits until ninth grade — or even senior year — before giving their child a smartphone.

And one more thing: practice what you preach.

If you do not want phones at the dinner table, yours should not be there either. If you want your child to read more, they need to see you reading. If you want them off their screens, they need to see you off yours.

Children follow example more than instruction.

Screen time is not about being extreme. It is about being intentional.

We can raise creative, social, thoughtful children in a digital world — but only if we stay in charge of the devices, instead of letting the devices stay in charge of us.

— Mr. D