Helping kids build healthy digital habits
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its guidance to reflect a world where digital media is part of everyday life. Phones, tablets, TVs, gaming systems and artificial intelligence tools shape how kids learn, play and connect, and the latest AAP recommendations for screen time move beyond simple time limits to focus on quality, context and conversation.
Digital media can offer benefits such as education, creativity and social connection, but many platforms are designed to keep children engaged for as long as possible. Features like autoplay and endless scrolling can crowd out sleep, physical activity and family time.
Pediatric experts emphasize that screen time itself isn’t the enemy. As Dr. Katherine Williamson from Rady Children’s Mission Hospital notes, “I recommend for parents to think and talk about screen time like dessert. Like a food treat, screen time is not inherently bad.” The key is ensuring screens don’t replace the daily activities that support healthy development.
Key takeaways:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) screen time guidelines (2026): The AAP now prioritizes quality, context and conversation over strict time limits, including no screens before 18 months and one hour of high‑quality content daily for ages 2–5.
- Balance over burnout: Screens shouldn’t replace sleep, physical activity, family time or free play; device‑free bedrooms and mealtimes help keep routines healthy.
- Parents set the tone: Co‑viewing, talking about content and modeling good digital habits help children navigate online spaces safely.
Top tips for families
1. Build digital literacy
Have ongoing conversations about recognizing ads, protecting private information, body image and the permanent nature of online posts. If children encounter harmful content, help them find safer online or offline spaces and provide support.
Dr. Williamson reminds parents that kids’ developing brains are deeply shaped by what they see:
“As for content, it is vital that parents keep in mind how impressionable children, teens, and even young adults are. The developing brain cannot easily differentiate between what is real and appropriately modeled behavior as they are still creating norms in their mind and often modeling what they are seeing on social and other forms of media.”
2. Create a Family Media Plan
Use the AAP tool to set shared expectations for when, where and how devices are used so boundaries are clear for the whole family.
3. Choose quality content
Look for child-centered media that supports learning and social-emotional skills, and be cautious of apps or shows packed with ads, constant rewards or designs meant to keep kids scrolling.
For young children in particular:
“For young kids, it is important to put content restrictions on their devices.”
And for teens, open communication is essential:
“With teens, create a dialogue about what they are watching and what it means to them, such as having them show you what they found funny that day on their social media feed. The more we engage kids of all ages and lean into their world, the more we can help monitor and be a part of it.”
4. Protect sleep and screen-free time
Keep bedrooms and mealtimes device-free and avoid screens for at least an hour before bed to support healthy sleep and family connection.
5. Be intentional about a first phone
Consider your child’s maturity before giving a smartphone. Think about their honesty and responsibility. Notice how they handle social situations. Start the phone with strong privacy settings. Then, set clear time limits from the beginning.
Age-appropriate screen use starts with balance
Younger children learn best from real-world interaction, so co-viewing with a caregiver and choosing high-quality content remain important. For school-aged kids and teens, the goal is balancing online activities with homework, friendships, exercise and sleep.
Dr. Williamson emphasizes that kids should be able to step away from screens without a struggle:
“Screen time is to be enjoyed in small amounts, and we should be able to walk away from screen time without too much struggle. If a young child or a teen is struggling or unable to pull themselves away from their screens, they have too much screen time.”
And when screen use begins replacing core developmental needs, parents should take note: “But when screen time takes the place of healthier activities, such as sleeping, exercising, doing homework, and enjoying free play, we are losing out on all the things that make us healthy, and ultimately losing out on living life.”
Talking with kids about online content can help. Keep bedrooms screen-free at night.
Model good digital behavior for your children. These steps help technology support learning. They can also protect time for offline connection.
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