04/30/2026
It’s okay if this feels like a lot...
When we talk about screen time, it can quickly turn into guilt, pressure, or feeling like you’re “getting it wrong.” These guidelines are not there to shame parents or create unrealistic expectations — they are simply a starting point to help you make informed choices for your child and family.
These are maximum guidelines, not daily targets, but for some they may indeed be targets.
This is the part that often gets misunderstood. The times shown here are upper limits, not what children “should” be having every day. Many children will benefit from less, especially when they are tired, overwhelmed, or already struggling with regulation.
Real life doesn’t always fit neat rules
Some days will include more screens — illness, work demands, survival mode — and that is okay. What matters most is the overall pattern across time, not a single day or moment. Parenting is about balance, not perfection.
Connection matters more than counting minutes.
A child who feels seen, supported, and connected will always be better protected than a child with perfectly measured screen time. Screens are just one piece of a much bigger picture that includes sleep, play, relationships, and emotional safety.
You are allowed to adapt this to your child.
Every child’s brain, needs, and environment are different. Use this as a guide, not a rulebook. Trust your instincts, notice what helps your child regulate, and adjust in a way that works for your family.
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