Recommendations by age
The WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) word things slightly differently but agree on direction: the younger the child, the less solo screen time, and when screens are used, quality content watched with an adult. Video chatting is treated as an exception because it is time connecting with family.
- Under 1 year: screen time is not recommended (WHO). The AAP advises avoiding screens other than video chatting before 18 months.
- Ages 1 to 2: the WHO does not recommend sedentary screen time at age 1, and for age 2 recommends no more than 1 hour a day (less is better). The AAP advises that if screens are used at 18 to 24 months, parents choose high-quality content and watch together.
- Ages 2 to 5: no more than 1 hour a day of quality content, watched and discussed with an adult (WHO, AAP).
- Age 6 and up: rather than a fixed number, set consistent rules so screens do not crowd out sleep, physical activity, homework and family time (AAP).
Principles when kids watch
- Watch together, ask questions and talk about what you saw. Even better, carry it into real play.
- Choose slower-paced educational content over fast-cutting, overstimulating or ad-heavy videos.
- Turn off autoplay and say in advance when it will end ("we'll turn it off after this episode").
- Do not leave the TV on in the background when nobody is watching; it cuts into talk and play.
- No screens during meals, in the hour before bed, or in the bedroom.
- Using screens over and over only to calm crying or tantrums reduces chances to practice managing emotions.
Making family media rules
The AAP encourages families to make a media use plan together. Agreeing and writing down when, where, what and how much reduces daily battles. Involving older children in making the rules helps them stick to them.
- Screen-free times and places (dinner table, bedrooms, before bed)
- Devices used in shared spaces like the living room, and charged outside bedrooms at night
- Weekday and weekend time limits and how screen time ends
- Apps, videos and games chosen together to match age ratings
- Parents following the same rules
Phones, games and social media
There is no single right age for a first smartphone. Decide based on why it is needed and whether your child can follow rules; one option is to start with a limited-feature device or parental controls.
Check age ratings for games and apps, and review purchase locks and location and privacy settings together. Most social media platforms set a minimum sign-up age of 13. Talk ahead of time about chatting with strangers, sharing photos and cyberbullying. Most important is the trust that your child can tell you when something happens without getting in trouble.
Signs of overuse and where to get help
- Intense anger when screens are taken away, or losing interest in other activities
- Sleep, meals, homework or friendships repeatedly falling apart because of screens
- Repeated secret use or lying about screen time
- A young child with delayed speech and little eye contact who has a lot of screen exposure
FAQ
Can I play nursery rhyme videos for my baby under 1?
The WHO does not recommend screen time under age 1. Singing the same songs yourself while facing and responding to your baby helps language development far more. Video calls with grandparents are fine.
How much can a 4-year-old watch per day?
The WHO and AAP recommend no more than 1 hour a day for ages 2 to 5. Watch quality content together and avoid screens during meals and before bed.
Aren't educational apps fine in larger amounts?
Educational apps still count as screen time. Young children learn better from talking with people and hands-on play than from screens. If you use apps, do them together and talk about them.
At what age should my child get a smartphone?
There is no set age. Decide based on need and whether your child can follow rules, and start with settings that limit time, apps and purchases, along with family rules.
Sources
- WHO guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 (2019)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org (Family Media Plan)
- AAP policy statements on media use in children
- Korea's Smart Shim Center (National Information Society Agency)
Medical information is for reference only. This is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your child's doctor. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.
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