These are the current screen time guidelines for kids.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is sounding the alarm: children under six are getting too much screen time. While this may not surprise many parents, the real-world consequences are becoming increasingly visible in classrooms and homes across the country.
Aimee Winder Newton, Senior Advisor to Governor Cox and Director of the Utah Office of Families, shared updated screen time guidelines and practical advice for parents navigating the digital age.
Why Screen Time Matters
“We’ve started hearing from childcare providers, preschool teachers… that kids don’t know how to self-regulate. They’re behind on social and emotional skills,” Aimee explained. The concern isn’t just about screen exposure—it’s about what kids are missing out on: emotional development, social interaction, and real-world learning. When screens become a default pacifier, children may struggle with attention, relationships, and school readiness.
Screen Time Guidelines by Age
Here’s a breakdown of the current recommendations:
0–18 Months
- No screen time, except for video chatting with known individuals. “I love to FaceTime with my 15-month-old granddaughter… and that’s simply okay,” Aimee said.
18–24 Months
- Very limited screen time, always with a parent.
- Content should be interactive, educational, and age-appropriate. “The programming should be slow… the pace of the scene, the communication, the songs,” Aimee emphasized.
2–5 Years
- No more than one hour per day, co-viewed with a parent or sibling.
- Parents should help children relate screen content to the real world.
6 Years and Older
- Limit to two hours per day.
- Ensure kids still get enough sleep, physical activity, and social interaction.
The Real Challenge: Parental Discipline
“You’re going to have a battle one way or another. Do you want the battle on the front end… or the back end when they’ve now become addicted to screens?” Aimee said. She acknowledged that enforcing screen limits is tough—but necessary. She encouraged parents to:
- Set boundaries early.
- Build a community of like-minded parents.
- Model healthy screen habits themselves.
“The most important thing is for parents to stay off their screens… Kids are following their example,” Aimee emphasized.
Creating a Culture Shift
With growing awareness—thanks in part to books like The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt—there’s hope for change. Aimee emphasized the importance of family rituals like shared meals: “There is still such strong data on having meals together as a family… and how important that is for a child’s wellbeing.”
Visit strongfamilies.utah.gov to explore more resources and participate in Family Connection Week, a statewide initiative encouraging families to unplug and reconnect.
Add comment