The Canadian Paediatric Society does not recommend screen time for children under two. The exception is video chatting with caring adults, such as extended family.

Screen time refers to the time that your child is watching or listening to anything that has a screen: computers, iPods, vehicle DVD players, gaming systems, cell phones, tablets, and TVs. This also includes the use of these screens in the background, for example, having the TV on during dinner.

• You will spend more time with your child if both of you are not distracted by screens.
• Your baby will sleep better if they are not stimulated by screens.
• Screen time can interfere with your child’s play, learning, and attachment.
• There is no known benefit of screen time for young children, even if a product is advertised for young children.

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that families minimize the use of screens, mitigate (reduce) the risks associated with screen time, be mindful of the use of screen time, and model healthy screen use.

Minimize

• Screen time is not recommended for children under two. The exception is video chatting with caring adults, such as extended family.
• Ensure that sedentary (sitting) screen time is not a routine part of child care.

Mitigate (reduce) the risks associated with screen time

• If screens are being used, be present and engaged and, whenever possible, co-view with children.
• Focus on educational, age-appropriate, and interactive programming. Use screen devices for creative activities, such as drawing, instead of passive viewing.
• Use parenting strategies that support self-regulation skills in children, without relying on screen-based media.

Be mindful about the use of screen time

• Think about your own screen time habits. For example, are you texting while breastfeeding or at a family meal?
• Develop a family plan for when, how, and where screens may (and may not) be used.

Model healthy screen use

• Set a good example by limiting your own screen time (e.g., wait until your child is in bed before you use devices with screens).
• Discover new activities you can do together as a family. Engage in activities that do not involve screens (e.g., go for a walk, play outside, read together, play easy board games, crafts).
• Turn off devices during family time at and away from home.
• Turn off screens when not in use and avoid background TV.
• Encourage healthier screen use policies in child care settings and schools.

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends under 1 hour of screen time a day for children between 3 and 5 years old.

Screen time refers to the time that your child is watching or listening to anything that has a screen: computers, iPods, vehicle DVD players, gaming systems, cell phones, tablets, and TVs. This also includes the use of these screens in the background, for example, having the TV on during dinner.

• You will spend more time with your child if both of you are not distracted by screens.
• Your child will sleep better if they are not stimulated by screens.
• Screen time can interfere with your child’s play, learning, and attachment.
• There is no known benefit of screen time for young children; even if a product, like an app, says it is for young children.

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that families minimize the use of screens, mitigate (reduce) the risks associated with screen time, be mindful of the use of screen time, and model healthy screen use.

Minimize

• Aim for less than 1 hour of screen time for children aged 3-5.
• Keep screen-free times throughout the day, especially for meals and reading time with family.
• Avoid screens for at least 1 hour before bedtime.
• Ensure that sedentary (sitting) screen time is not a routine part of child care.

Mitigate (reduce) the risks associated with screen time

• Monitor young children’s media use by creating playlists and/or selecting appropriate channels.
• Be present and engaged when screens are used and, whenever possible, co-view with children.
• Focus on educational, age-appropriate, and interactive programming. Use screen devices for creative activities, such as drawing, instead of passive viewing.
• Talk to your children about what they watch or listen to. Your child may not understand the content the same way you do.
• Use parenting strategies that support self-regulation skills in children, without relying on screen-based media.
• Limit children’s exposure to advertising.

Be mindful about the use of screen time

• Think about your screen time habits. For example, are you texting while at a family meal?
• Develop a family plan for when, how, and where screens may (and may not) be used.
• Use media that is shared as a family (e.g, age-appropriate interactive videos, games, or watching TV or movies together).
• Encourage older siblings to help ‘mentor’ younger children’s use of screens.

Model healthy screen use

• Set a good example by limiting your own screen time (e.g., wait until your child is in bed before you use devices with screens).
• Engage in family activities that do not involve screens (e.g., play outside, read together, play easy board games, crafts).
• Turn off devices during family time at and away from home.
• Turn off screens when not in use and avoid background TV.
• Encourage healthier screen use policies in child care settings and schools.

• Canadian Paediatric Society: Screen Time and Young Children
• Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology: Canadian Movement Guidelines