How Much Screen Time Is Safe?
Let's be real: being a parent in the digital age can feel like navigating a minefield of “do this, not that” advice, especially when it comes to screens. Deep breaths, mama (or papa) - we got you. It’s not realistic to ban screens entirely, and balance is key. So before you panic (or hear what others moms are whispering on the playground), here are the facts grounded in solid research.
The Big Takeaway: Quality > Quantity
Forget rigid time limits, focus on what your toddlers are watching. This means that educational, age-appropriate content wins over just anything playing in the background[1].
0-18 months: Limit screen use to video chatting
18-24 months: Limit only to high-quality programming with parent co-viewing
2-4 years: Up to 1-3 hours daily of carefully curated content
The Baby Years (0-18 Months)
Babies need face-to-face time more than screen time. Yep, those wide-eyed looks when you’re playing peekaboo? That’s pure developmental gold. Beyond the occasional video call to Grandma, screens should be pretty much a no-go at this stage. And before you spiral into guilt, know that one study found babies exposed to 4+ hours of screen time daily did show some delays - but they caught up by age 5[2]. So, if you need those 10 minutes for a sanity-saving break, don’t panic. You’re doing just fine.
The Toddler Years (18-24 Months)
By the time your little explorer hits 18 months, you can start introducing high-quality educational shows. But do your best to watch with them. Toddlers don’t just absorb what’s on the screen like sponges, they need you there to turn it into a bonding session. Ask questions, point things out, and laugh together. It’s not just screen time, it’s learning time.
The Preschool Years (2-4 Years)
Welcome to the stage where “Why?” becomes your toddler’s favorite word. For these busy little minds, 1 hour of screen time a day is great. On weekends or lazy days, up to 3 hours is fine, as long as it’s packed with high-quality, educational content. Short, structured sessions work best for their still-developing attention spans.
Practical Tips for Managing Toddler Screen Time
Make a Plan: Schedule specific times for screens—say, a show after lunch or some interactive app time in the morning. Consistency helps them know when it’s screen time and when it’s time for other activities.
Be Present: Watching with your toddler makes all the difference. Choose shows or games that ask questions or sing songs, and play along. It turns passive watching into active learning.
Watch for Signs: If turning off the TV turns into a full-blown drama or they lose interest in playing with their favorite toys, it might be time to rethink things. Screens should be a fun tool, not a go-to babysitter.
Conclusion
While it may seem like we, a streaming service, are shooting ourselves in the foot for attempting to limit screentime, we have an obligation before you and God to not conceal what is best for Christian families. We offer screen-free options like song playlists and audiobooks and have designed low-screen animation options for your littlest viewers. Finally, and in line with the latest research for preschoolers, we at WonderfulWorks maintain our commitment to provide the highest quality of educational and entertaining content for families.
So, next time you reach for that tablet, do it with confidence. You’ve got this, and we’re here cheering you on - one song & story at a time.
References
“Screen Time and Children,” American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022.
Takahashi I, Obara et al. Screen Time at Age 1 Year and Communication and Problem-Solving Developmental Delay at 2 and 4 Years. JAMA Pediatr. 2023.