SAFE

How much screen time is healthy for my student each day?

Understand

Simply calling all device use "screen time" can miss some important differences. Common Sense Research studies identify four main categories of screen time:

  • Passive: mindlessly watching videos or shows, scrolling, vegging out

  • Interactive: playing games, problem-solving

  • Communication: video-chatting, using social media ​

  • Content Creation: making digital art or music, coding


Engage

CLICK IMAGES to review these resources for information on helping your student make healthy choices related to screen time.

What's the Best Way to Manage Screen Time?

At Common Sense we talk to parents every day who worry and wonder about screen time's effect on their students' social, emotional, and physical health. When our learners were little, it was about balancing time in front of the tablet or TV with real-world activities. But now, it's about YouTube rabbit holes, texts with people they hardly know, requests for Instagram accounts, and talking to strangers on Fortnite.

How Much Screen Time is OK for My Learner(s)?

Kids are spending more time with digital devices -- and at younger ages -- than ever before. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have guidelines to limit screen time. But the reality is there's no magic number that's "just right." What's more important is the quality of kids' content, how it fits into your family's lifestyle, and how your learners engage with it.

3 Cool Tools to Help Manage Screen Time

Looking for ways to reduce time spent on tablets, phones and computers? Watch this short video showcasing three cool tools to help tweens, teens, and even adults, manage their screen time.

Be a Tree

Freedom

Moment

Communicate

When talking with your student about screen time, try to focus on more autonomy and less nagging with these questions:

K-5

  • What are other things you enjoy doing outside?

  • Do you feel like you are getting enough sleep?

  • What did you learn by watching that last show?

  • What are your favorite types of games? Why?

  • What is one day of the week you want to use less technology?

  • What would you tell your friends are good rules to follow when using technology?

6-12

  • What are your favorite things you like doing when you use your screens?

  • What do you find annoying about how we currently handle screen time at home?

  • How do you see me using my screens?

  • Do you tihnk adults should have screen time rules too?

  • How long do you think you should be allowed to use your screens every day?

  • What about adult screen time? Should it be the same or different from kids' screen time?

  • How should we let your friends know about screen time rules when they're over?

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