How much screen time is right for my child, by age?
The short answer: as little as possible for the very young, no more than one hour a day from ages 2 to 5, then consistent limits you agree on after that. Here are the details.
Under 2 years
The World Health Organization recommends no sedentary screen time (like watching videos) for children under 2. The American Academy of Pediatrics makes an exception for video calls with family, because they are real interaction.
Ages 2 to 5
No more than one hour of screen time a day, and less is better. Ideally the content is high quality and age-appropriate, and you watch together when you can and talk about what they see.
Ages 6 and up
There is no single number that fits every child at this age. The recommendation is consistent, clear limits, making sure screens don't replace sleep, physical activity, homework and family time.
Also agree on screen-free times (like meals) and screen-free places (like the bedroom).
How to apply the limit without a daily fight
A limit alone isn't enough; what matters is how it reaches your child. Write the rule together, and make sure your child knows in advance when their time starts and ends. Older kids accept limits better when they have a say in them, for example by earning part of their time through chores.
How Kite helps
In Kite you choose which apps are managed and the price of a minute in points, and your child earns their time by completing chores once you approve. You can also set a daily points limit, so time never goes beyond what you agreed on.
Make and print a free chore chart for your child →
Quick answers
How much screen time for a 3-year-old?
According to the WHO: no more than one hour a day, and less is better.
Do video calls count as screen time?
The American Academy of Pediatrics makes an exception for video calls with family, even for young children, because they are real interaction rather than passive watching.
How much screen time for a 10-year-old?
There is no single official number for this age. What matters is consistent limits that don't take from sleep, activity and homework, plus screen-free times and places.
Source: WHO — To grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more (2019) · AAP — Family Media Plan (HealthyChildren.org)
Last updated: · The Kite team
