Reducing screen time
Reducing your family’s screen time will help increase physical activity and family time, and start your family on the way to a healthier life.
How much screen time is okay?
- Try to avoid screen time completely for under 2s.
- Keep screen time for 2-5 year olds to 1 hour each day.
- For children over 5, have clear limits and a good guide is no more than two hours each day.
Screens include all devices with a screen such as TVs, computers, smart phones, laptops, tablets and game consoles.
Watch the video to find out how much time kids actually spend on their screens.
How to reduce your family's screen time
- Figure out how much screen time is usual for your family.
- Set a goal. Start small, you can build on this over time.
- Revisit your goals if they prove too much.
Use our Play Pact to help get everyone on board. Get each family member to sign the Play Pact, then stick it somewhere visible as a reminder for the family.
Limiting screen time: where to begin
- Set limits. Explain to your family and friends what these are.
- Swap screen time for the games you played when you were a kid.
- Remove screens from your children’s rooms.
- Make mealtimes screen free.
- Watch TV or screen content with children so that they can learn while interacting with you.
- With older children, talk to them about the risks of screen time and what is acceptable and unacceptable.
- Lead by example. Children learn from the adults in their life.
