In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere—phones, tablets, televisions and computers. While technology has made learning and entertainment more accessible, excessive screen time in children has become a growing concern for both parents and healthcare professionals.
Understanding how screen use affects children is essential for promoting healthy development.
Young children, especially those under five years of age, learn best through active play, exploration and human interaction. Too much screen time during these early years can delay language development, reduce attention span and limit social skills. Children who spend long hours on screens may also become more irritable, less focused and less physically active.
Another important concern is sleep disturbance. Exposure to screens, particularly before bedtime, can interfere with sleep patterns. The blue light emitted from screens affects the body’s natural sleep cycle, making it harder for children to fall asleep. Poor sleep, in turn, affects mood, behaviour and school performance.
Excessive screen time is also linked to childhood obesity. Children who spend more time sitting with devices are less likely to engage in physical activity. In addition, screen use is often associated with unhealthy snacking, which can contribute to weight gain over time.
So, how much screen time is appropriate? For children under two years of age, screen use should be avoided as much as possible, except for supervised video calls. For children aged two to five years, screen time should be limited to about one hour per day, with a focus on high-quality, educational content. Older children and adolescents should have clear and consistent limits, ensuring that screen use does not interfere with school, sleep or physical activity.
Parents play a key role in establishing healthy habits. Creating screen-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime, is very important. Encouraging outdoor play, reading and family interaction helps children develop essential life skills. It is also helpful for parents to model good behaviour by limiting their own screen use.
