Minimize Screen Time

Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) recommends the following daily screen time guidelines:

• Babies (under 2 year old): - screen time is not recommended.
• Preschoolers (2 - 4 years old): - limit screen time to less than one hour every day.
• School age children (5 - 11 years old): - limit recreational screen time to less than two hours per day.
• Adolescents (12 - 17 years old): - limit recreational screen time to less than two hours per day.

Studies have shown that not all screen time is considered the same in terms of the effects on children and adolescents. A study which examined the effects of screen time on adolescents found that while mental health effects were connected to recreational screen time, non-recreational screen time was shown to have no adverse effects. Generally speaking, recreational screen time is time spent using a device such as a computer, television or gaming console that does not promote activity. Non-recreational screen time is time spent using a device such as a computer, television or gaming console with an educational or active component

Examples of active uses of technology include:

• Coding
• Immersive Simulations
• Media Production
• Interaction with Experts
• Global Connections
• Design
• Peer Collaboration

Ask these questions below to determine whether the use is recreational vs non-recreational:

• Does this use add knowledge or skills for my child that are of value?
• Does this use bring joy or happiness for my child or build values I find important such as resiliency, confidence, empathy, or perseverance?
• How much time is this taking in my child's day, and is any benefit associated with this activity worth it? What else would she/he be doing with this time?

• Schedule media time; use media plans like the one from HealthyChildren.org
• Time limitations/restriction software (see Best Parental Control Software, Screen time Limits on iPad, Parental Control Apps for Phone)