“Screen time” is a term used for activities done in front of a screen such as watching TV, working or playing on a computer/tablet/smart phone, or playing video games. During screen time you are generally sitting down and using very little energy. Replacing screen time with other activities like physical activity, reading, playing (inside and outside) and social time will help your child grow and develop their brains and muscles. For Participaction’s guidelines on how much your child should be move, sleep and sit click here.

What is the right amount of screen time for my child?

Children learn best from face-to-face interactions with caring people. It is best to keep their screen time to a minimum.

• For children less than two years old- screen time is not recommended.
• For children two to five years old- limit screen time to less than one hour per day.

Caring for kids has more information on setting limits for screen time.

References:

Caring for Kids
Participaction